Blaze at Market Drayton church being 'treated as arson'
Firefighters and police officers were called to a church in Market Drayton this morning after a fire broke out in the entrance to the building.
The Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to St Mary's Church in Market Drayton just before 8am on Monday (June 9).
According to the fire service, the incident involved a large wooden oak door located at the rear of the building.
A spokesperson from Market Drayton Fire Station said: "The fire had burned away a section of the door and was in danger of spreading to curtains and wooden roof timbers.
"The church was heavily smoke-logged inside, so the incident commander instructed four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and equipped with an additional high pressure hose reel to enter the building to check for any hidden fire spread and to carry out ventilation.
"Once the fire had been extinguished and the majority of the smoke cleared, an investigation into the cause of the fire was carried out by a specialist fire investigation officer.
"Sadly we can confirm that this fire is being treated as an act of deliberate ignition by persons unknown."
A short while later, West Mercia Police confirmed the incident was being treated as arson.
The force said: "At around 8.15am this morning the fire service informed us about a fire at St Mary’s Church in Market Drayton.
"Officers have attended and at this stage the fire is being treated as arson. Enquiries are ongoing."
Market Drayton firefighters were asking anyone with information to contact the police on 101.
They added: "We would like to thank both the vicar and church wardens who attended and provided keys and useful information to the crews whilst we were in attendance.
"We hope that the damage caused can soon be repaired and that the smell of smoke soon clears and allows the church to operate as normal."
