Police in Fermanagh are investigating a break-in and vandalism at a Church of Ireland Sunday School building in Newtownbutler as a sectarian motivated hate crime.

The incident took place on Easter Saturday. Officers received a report shortly after 3.15pm that paint had been thrown on the outside walls and windows of the building, part of Galloon Parish Church on High Street.

Graffiti including IRA slogans appeared inside a room. The room was ransacked with tables and chairs overturned, items smashed, and fire extinguishers discharged.

Sergeant Connolly stated that enquiries continue to establish the circumstances. Police have appealed for information from anyone who saw suspicious activity, asking callers to quote reference 853 of 04/04/26 on 101.

Canon Jimmy McPhillips condemned the vandalism. He called it a senseless attack on a place of Christian learning and worship, an affront to believers and a violation of the right to worship freely.