Arsonists target Birkirkara’s old church, set door on fire

The police are investigating

The parish church of Saint Mary in Birkirkara was targeted by arsonists in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when the church’s main door was set on fire.

The police are still investigating who could have carried out the vandal attack, or the reasons why. It is understood that the door was set on fire after someone threw flammable liquid at the door.

As soon as he learned of the fire, sacristan William Catania scurried to the ‘Old Church’ and was shocked to see the huge flames licking at the door. Catania immediately worked to control the fire by throwing buckets of water and was soon joined by other persons.

The church’s sturdy door prevented the fire from spreading to the inside of the church.

Saddened by the unprovoked attack, the parish is urging churchgoers and parishioners from other parishes to join in the prayers – acts of reparation – being organised this Friday.

The police were informed of the fire at around 6.30am