Church devastated by fire

A WARRINGTON church has been badly damaged by fire in an arson attack during the night.
The blaze has caused thousands of pounds of damage in the vestry at St Andrew’s CE Church at Orford – and the main church building has been heavily smokelogged.
Four fire engines were involved in a battle to save the building, with about 20 firefighters involved in the operation.
A main jet, hosereel jets and ventilation equipment were in use as crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze.
Choir robes and other church equipment were destroyed, along with much of the contents of the vestry.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “We did well to stop this fire. If we had not got there so quickly, the whole church could have gone. This was a good stop.”
It is understood a youth was seen running away from the scene and police are investigating.
A major clean-up operation will be necessary before the church can be used for services.