Police hunt for arsonists who wrecked Newport hall

Police were this afternoon continuing their hunt for the arsonists who wrecked a community hall in Newport.

Investigations into the blaze at St Nicholas Church Parish Rooms, in New Street, are still ongoing as officers renewed their appeal for witnesses.

The popular community hall, home to more than 20 organisations, was set on fire at around 2.30am on Sunday morning.

Arsonists are believed to have broken into the back of the building and set fire to piles of books belonging to the Newport Male Voice Choir.

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "Our investigations our still ongoing. We have collected a number of items and sent them away for forensic testing.

"We are now waiting for the results of those tests and for the results from our media appeal. Anyone with any information is urged to contact us as a matter of urgency."

The fire caused extensive damage to the hall's committee room, kitchen and roof.

Kath Turner, from the Newport Flower Club which meets monthly in the hall, said: "I don't think hall is going to be ready until long after Christmas.

"I'm disgusted someone would do this and I cannot understand the reasoning behind it.

"The people who set the place on fire are mindless idiots. The repercussions of this sort of thing aren't just on the building but on the whole community.

"People need these clubs and look forward to going along. There are so many voluntary groups out there looking for help. Rather than setting things alight these people should get a life and do something useful."

Call Telford police on 101.

See also:

• Arson attack suspected at Newport hall

• Newport choir loses £28,000 as arsonists torch hall