17th Century Birkirkara Church Target Of Alleged Arson
Reports have just come in of an alleged arson attack on the front door of a church in Birkirkara. Eye witnesses told Lovin Malta that this happened “very early this morning”, and that “significant damage to the wall and door” can be noted.
“Seems like an accelerant was used, because there was a smell of petrol or some kind of tinner, and two small barrels on the step leading in,” one person said. The forensic teams along with the police were on the scene just a few minutes ago.
The Santa Marija church, known as il-Knisja l-Qadima, is a 17th century building listed as a Grade 1 National Monument. It’s also listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.
We would like to stress out the importance of reaching out and coming forward if you have any information on this alleged arson. “It’s almost impossible that there were no witnesses because the church is in a pjazza with the door facing at least 50 houses with good views of it,” one person who passed by the scene later said.
More updates as we get them.
If you have any information about this, please come forward.
