Political leaders in Northern Ireland have condemned an overnight arson attack on a Belfast church.

Police said the Presbyterian church and a nearby hall sustained considerable damage in the fire.

Sunday morning services at the Saintfield Road church were called off to allow investigators examine the building.

A church spokesperson said it was the second such attack in one week, after an earlier blaze broke out on Thursday night.

In a Facebook post, they wrote: "Due to a second arson attack of greater severity taking place in the early hours of Sunday morning, the entire church building and halls are strictly out of bounds.

“Please stay away from the church as investigations are still underway.”

'Senseless'

First Minister Arlene Foster tweeted her sadness at the news, calling the attack a "senseless hate crime".

As I head out to church I am so sad to learn that Saintfield road Presb church has been attacked. Senseless hate crime

— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) July 24, 2016

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described the incident as "despicable". 

Disgusted at the despicable arson attacks on Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church.I hope the criminals responsible can be arrested. #shameful

— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) July 24, 2016

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of the disgraceful attack on Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church and hall.

"My thoughts are with its parishioners who will be devastated by this news."