Dozens of firefighters tackle blaze at Co Antrim church

Dozens of firefighters have been deployed to tackle a fire at a church in Co Antrim.

The blaze broke out at Greenisland Church of Ireland church on Sunday evening.

Nine fire appliances and 49 firefighters attended the scene on Station Road in Greenisland.

The road was closed to traffic.

On Sunday night, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said the operation was “ongoing”.

“We would advise members of the public to avoid the area where possible and nearby homeowners to keep their windows and doors closed,” said the spokesperson.

Footage from the scene indicates the fire has caused major damage to the building.

The church had hosted a special event earlier in the day to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

The church’s Facebook page posted a message on Sunday night saying the “terrible” fire had started at the back of the building.

“We are just so thankful that the building was empty and nobody has been hurt,” said the statement.