Animal carcasses dumped on church grounds

The incident happened at St Joseph's Church in Caledon

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Animal carcasses have been dumped at a church in Caledon, County Tyrone.

The incident happened at St Joseph's Catholic Church in the village.

Fr Cathal Devaney from the parish of Aghaloo and Carnteel said animal intestines had been dumped in the carpark of the church in what he said was "a criminal act, perhaps even a hate-filled criminal act".

He said those involved needed to be caught and brought to justice.

In a social media post, Fr Deveney said: "Why would anyone come intentionally to our carpark and insult the local community in this despicable way?

"Whoever did it, we'll pray for them because they're in a bad place and they need serious help."

Sinn Féin assembly member for the area Colm Gildernew described the incident as "despicable".

"This is an abhorrent and criminal attack on our parish, churchgoers and residents and I want to condemn it in the strongest possible terms," he said.

Gildernew said he was sending support to Fr Deveney and to the parishioners of the church.

"There is absolutely no place in our society for this despicable behaviour," he added.

He described the incident as "sickening" and said those responsible "must be brought to justice".

Police said they received a report on Monday afternoon "relating to dumped animal remains in the Minterburn Road area of Caledon".

"It is thought this occurred sometime between 23:00 on Sunday 5 October and 14:00 on Monday 6 October," they added.

They have appealed for anyone with any information to contact them.