An attack on a church in east Belfast overnight is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God at Templemore St was damaged when arsonists cut through a steel shutter, poured petrol inside and set it alight.
The pastor, who did not want to be named, said the church had been operating here since 2018 without incident.
Police said two masked men used an angle-grinder to cut through shutters on the building at Templemore Street around 9.30pm last night.
Petrol was thrown inside and set alight.
The fire service managed to put the blaze out but damage was caused to the shutters and the front hall of the building.
Both men ran off along Templemore Street, which is in the east of the city.
Around half its 70 strong congregation is local, the rest are from various countries around the world.
It runs daily services and a weekly food bank helping 40 families.
Officers are appealing for information about the incident or for anyone who has dashcam or doorbell footage to contact them.
Sinn Féin MLA for Belfast South Deirdre Hargey said the attack was "absolutely sickening".
She said: "This attack on a church premises is the latest in a series of disgusting, violent racist acts which are not reflective of the majority in our society who embrace the huge positives of diversity.
"Those who have arrived to make our city home are welcome here. They are an integral part of our community, and are very much appreciated.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
"There is no room for racism in our society, and those intent on causing havoc and division must be dealt with by the full force of the law."
East Belfast MP and DUP leader Gavin Robinson visited the church and condemned the attack and those responsible for it.
He said he and his colleagues met the pastor and his wife this morning.
Mr Robinson said the church serves the both the local community in East Belfast, but also people throughout the city on a weekly basis.
"I know last night that it was members of the community that phoned the police straight away when they saw things that were of suspicion, and I think that speaks to the sense of stronger community spirit than any of those who would seek to attack anyone within our society, whether it's because of their colour, whether it's because of their race, whether it's because of their faith.
"This should not have happened. It should not be happening in Northern Ireland, and yet it has over the last number of weeks, I find it deeply dispiriting," Mr Robinson said.
