ORANGE detectives are investigating an arson attack at an Orange church where terrorism-related graffiti was scrawled across the outside of the building.
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Canobolas Local Area Command Supervisor Sergeant Brenden Turner said there was only minor damage to St Peter’s Lutheran Church on Heatherbrae Parade, with the fire started near the church’s main entrance.
He said police were unsure why “ISIS” and “Allah Akbar” had been painted on the church’s wall.
Sergeant Turner said a crime scene had been established at the site and initial investigations suggested the fire was deliberately lit.
“The area is being forensically examined,” he said.
Sergeant Turner said the incident had been reported to a Sydney-based intelligence division of the police force due to the nature of the crime.
“This is considered a serious crime; the fact is someone’s tried to burn down a church,” he said.
“As with any arson incident like this involving a church, other people (outside of the Canobolas LAC) need to be notified.”
Sergeant Turner said anyone with information about the incident, or who was in the vicinity of the church on Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, should contact police immediately.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
