Newly released figures confirm that churches are being attacked almost every second day in the North of Ireland.

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) NI said there were 445 recorded cases of criminal damage in the past three years, according to figures that came from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The attacks have hit religious buildings, churchyards and cemeteries and have happened in every one of Northern Ireland’s 11 policing districts.

The charity has called on political parties to help set up a fund for extra security for churches and other religious buildings, similar to a scheme that already exists in England and Wales.

Created in July 2016, the places of worship (POW) protective security funding scheme provides financial resources to religious organisations, helping them buy security measures such as CCTV, fencing and lighting.

Dr Alistair McCracken, clerk of session at Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church, said he would support any government measures to protect churches.