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Market Drayton Church Blaze Confirmed as Arson

West Mercia Police are appealing for information after Shropshire firefighters extinguished a fire at the church's rear oak door that left the interior heavily smoke-logged.

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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.