A Co Donegal community has been forced to close its church after a series of vandalism attacks.
Christ Church in Buncrana has been attacked on a number of occasions within the past week.
The Church of Ireland congregation is based in the centre of the Inishowen town and is popular with all sections of the community.
However, recent events at the church have forced the vestry to close its doors until further notice.
As well as the burning of mass leaflets, a bible has been written on, cigarettes have been stubbed out on the carpet and eggs were thrown within the building.
On another occasion, floral displays were strewn all over the flower.
“There is no structural damage but all of these incidents put together are very, very annoying,” said Reverend Judi McGaffin of Christ Church.
Rev Judi McGaffin
Reverend Mc Gaffin does not believe the attacks are in any way sectarian.
She believes those responsible are of a certain age but said the response from the local community has been very encouraging.
“I certainly do not think there is any sectarian element to these incidents. We think these incidents may have been carried out by people of a certain age.
“The one thing we can say is that since we have highlighted what has happened, the response from the entire community has been amazing.
“I have been in Buncrana for the past four years and I have received such a warm welcome. Our church is not just for our members but is here to be used by the entire community,” she said.
The church, which was open to all members of the public through the day, was used as a place of prayer by many people.
However, Reverend McGaffin said the church will remain closed for the foreseeable future until their overall security is reviewed.
“We made a decision to close the church this week in light of these events and it will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
“However, security is very much part and parcel of everyday life and we will be reviewing our security including CCTV at the church before opening it again,” added Rev McGaffin.
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