Arson attack on Plymouth Baptist church

A suspicious blaze badly damaged a church in Devon last week, and has now led to a police enquiry following repeated targeting of the church by local vandals.

Five fire crews were called to Crownhill Baptist Church in Plymouth when a passer-by alerted police after hearing breaking glass.

The fire broke out on the first floor of the building some time in the evening, and officers were alerted at 2030 BST on Wednesday 24 October.

The church has faced continued troubles from vandals, and was preciously forced to close temporarily after repeated attacks by youths.

Plymouth has become a hot-bed for arson attacks with 13 suspicious fires occurring in just 24 hours last week.

Police report that across the city piles of rubbish and play park equipment have been deliberately set on fire.