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Church targeted in arson attack

Andy Giddings
BBC News, West Midlands
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service The inside of a church with a long red carpet running between the pews and smoke hanging around the back of the churchShropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to get into the smoke-filled church

Firefighters have put out a fire at a church that appeared to have been started deliberately.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said it arrived at St Mary's Church in Market Drayton at 07:51 BST on Monday to find a large oak door was alight and the fire was in danger of spreading to curtains and wooden roof timbers.

Firefighters said the building was heavily smoke-logged inside and the door was badly damaged.

West Mercia Police is now carrying out further investigations.

Craig Jackson, from the fire service, said investigators wanted to hear about anyone seen near the building between 22:30 on Sunday and 08:00 on Monday.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service A fire damaged wooden door in a stone wall with some of the wood turned to ash and a big hole in the bottom of itShropshire Fire and Rescue Service
A large oak door was badly damaged

The fire service said the smoke inside the church meant firefighters had to go in wearing breathing apparatus and relying on a thermal imaging camera.

After the fire was extinguished, a large fan was used to clear the smoke.

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