Fire badly damages church

A church in Surrey has been badly damaged by a fire which started early on Friday morning.

About 60 firefighters were sent to tackle the flames at St Paul's Church in Addlestone at about 0300 GMT.

Most of the roof of the building in Church Road has been destroyed by the fire which also broke stained glass windows.

Police have said it is too early to know what caused the fire and that arson has not been ruled out.

The church is an established beacon for local people particularly at this time of year Surrey police spokeswoman

But the intensity of the flames prevented emergency services entering the building.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: "This is a tragedy for our community.

"The church is an established beacon for local people particularly at this time of year."

Richard Hay, the vicar of St Paul's, said local residents were very shocked.

Other congregations in the Addlestone area have been rallying to help members of St Paul's, he said.

A spokeswoman for Surrey Fire and Rescue said crews left the scene just before 1500 GMT on Friday.