Overview
- Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service crews arrived at St Mary's Church in Market Drayton just before 8am on Monday to find flames consuming a large oak door at the rear of the building.
- Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the smoke-logged interior with a high-pressure hose reel to check for hidden fire spread and ventilate the space.
- A specialist fire investigation officer identified the fire as deliberate ignition, and West Mercia Police formally declared it an act of arson.
- The vicar and church wardens provided keys and critical information to fire crews, helping to prevent flames from reaching roof timbers and curtains.
- Police have urged anyone with information about the arson to contact West Mercia officers on 101 as the investigation continues.