Woman held after fire at hostel

In pictures: Hostel fire

A homeless woman has been arrested on suspicion of starting a fire at a hostel and church in west London.

The fire broke out at the Shepherd's Bush Road hostel just before 0700 BST on Tuesday and spread to Shepherd's Bush Baptist Church.

No-one was hurt in the blaze but the first floor and roof of the church was completely destroyed.

The 36-year-old woman is being held at a west London police station on suspicion of arson.

The hostel houses single homeless people of all ages, some of whom misuse substances or have mental health issues.

Advertisement

One resident explains what she saw

It was not yet clear how many people were in the building at the time the fire broke out on the hostel's first floor, London Fire Brigade said.

A spokesman said the blaze was "easily contained" but it had spread to the church.

An area around the scene of the blaze has been cordoned off and Shepherd's Bush Road has been closed as investigations take place.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has opened a community hall on the nearby Bush Green Estate to offer temporary accommodation.