A former Church Minister was counting the cost this week, following a weekend arson attack on his Sion Mills property.

Three youths dressed in hooded tops attacked Zion House, currently the home of John Withy, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The trio smashed several windows in the property, formerly the homestead of the Herdman family.

A tractor and trailer was also set alight, prompting concerns for the safety of the building. Firefighters however managed to contain the blaze and the building survived intact.

Mr Withy is understood to have shouted at the youths from an upstairs window, before they made off in the direction of the Mill.

The incident is the latest in a spate of attacks on properties in the village in recent weeks. Paint was poured over vehicles and wing mirrors were kicked off cars when vandals went on the rampage over the May Bank Holiday.

Condemning the attack on Mr Withy's home, Sion Mills MLA Allan Bresland said those responsible were only making life more difficult for themselves and their families.

"This was a particularly frightening incident because when the tractor exploded, many people thought it was a bomb attack.

"It is ridiculous that this sort of thing is still happening.

"There are good relations in Sion Mills among all communities and whoever is doing this needs to catch themselves on.

"They need to realise that they are only damaging the village that they and their families have to live in.

"Regardless of who it is, everyone has the right to live in peace and no one deserves to have their property burnt.

"I would urge parents to speak to their children and help bring about an end to the vandalism that is happening in Sion on an almost weekly basis.

"Also, I would ask anyone with information about who is responsible to pass it on to the PSNI," Mr Bresland said.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious at Zion house or in the vicinity of the Mill to contact them at 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.