A CHURCH in Southbourne has been severely damaged in a blaze early Sunday morning.
Nine fire engines and an aerial appliance were called to Cranleigh Community Church at 1am following multiple emergency calls from the public.
The fire ripped through the building, causing "terrible damage" inside and to the roof, according to the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Safety Team.
But crews managed to save the building, tackling the blaze using 18 breathing apparatus, four main jets and two hosereel jets.
The cause of the fire is being investigated, but it is not thought to be suspicious.
Really proud of how well our teams worked at Cranleigh Community Church this morning. Terrible damage but saved the building. Will have an impact on the community. Cause not thought to be suspicious and being investigated by @DWFRSSBroad @DWFireRescue @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/hVDzGXQ9z5
— D&W Fire Safety Team (@DWFRSFireSafety) August 26, 2018
The church was unable to hold a formal service Sunday morning, but people were due to gather outside with church leaders for worship and prayer at 10.30am.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the church said: "Praise God that no one was hurt, but please continue to pray for the church as we try and work out the long term implications of this."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel