Arson suspected in church fires

The roof and floors of the church have burned away

A fire has gutted a Victorian church in Luton thought to have been targeted by arsonists eight times in recent months.

Firefighters have been trying to save the Hightown Methodist Church since the alarm was raised at about 0830 GMT on Tuesday.

An inquiry is now planned into the series of suspicious fires at the 150-year-old building.

The Reverend Susan Holmes said of the suspected arsonists' attempts to destroy the church: "Our members are absolutely devastated, particularly now it looks like they've succeeded."

Firefighters feared the flames would spread

The fire was spotted by the caretaker, who lives with her husband and two children in a cottage attached to the church.

It took hold quickly, threatening nearby shops and houses.

Roads around the church were cordoned off while dozens of firefighters tried to bring the flames under control.

Julian Sears of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The three factors really were the water supplies, the possibility of spreading to the offices and shop and house at the back, and the possibility of collapse of the main structure.

"The cross-floors and roof have burned away."

Green Goddesses

Firefighters were still at the scene early on Tuesday afternoon.

So far, it is known that a meeting house and offices have been destroyed.

The church was damaged in a previous suspected arson attack in September.

Last Thursday, Green Goddesses were called to tackle a fire there during the national firefighters' strike.

There have also been recent suspicious fires at the Baptist Church on Reginald Street, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church on North Street.