DETECTIVES are investigating an overnight arson attack on a Belfast church which has been forced to the cancel religious services this morning.

Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church and neighbouring hall have “sustained considerable damage,” police have said.

It is the second arson attack on the church within a few days.

In a statement on it’s Facebook page today, a church spokesperson said: “The entire church building and halls are strictly out of bounds.

“Please stay away from the church as investigations are still under way.

“Worship on Sunday morning will not go ahead at Saintfield Road.

“However, worship services are happening in the other local churches.”

A police spokeswoman said the arson happened sometime between 1 am and 1.20 am this morning.

First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the attack.

She said on her Twitter feed: “As I head out to church I am so sad to learn that Saintfield Road Presbyterian church has been attacked. Senseless hate crime”.