A church community in Northern Ireland is said to be deeply shocked after an arson attack on its building.

Parish priest Father Damian McCaughan discovered the fire at Our Lady and St Patrick's Catholic Church in Ballymoney on Sunday evening. He extinguished the blaze which was at the side door of the building and said it's a mystery why his church was targeted.  

Fr McCaughan said the person or people who committed the attack should come into the church and pray rather than use their time committing this sort of crime.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the incident.