DETECTIVES in Derry have started an arson investigation after fire chiefs said A late-night blaze fire at a church had been started deliberately.
The fire broke out at Holy Family Church in Ballymagroarty shortly after 10 pm on Friday night, May 24.
The parochial house of the church was evacuated and 20 firefighters tackled the blaze.
Detective Constable Fielding of the Criminal Investigation Branch at Strand Road said: “An outbuilding adjacent to Holy Family on Aileach Road was set alight at around 10.30pm.
“The blaze spread to the church and nearby parochial house causing damage to both. The outbuilding was completely destroyed.
“At this stage we believe two males may have been involved in starting this fire and we are keen to identify them.
“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at around the time of the fire or anyone who may have information regarding this crime.
“The number to call is 101, please quote reference 2311 24/05/19.”
The Fire and Rescue Service said that CCTV showed the fire had been started deliberately by several youths.
Group Commander Andy Burns said the fire had put lives in danger and that a community event was being held in the parochial house when it broke out.
He said the fire was started in a shed to the rear of the parochial house.
The house was damaged, with the heat destroying windows.
The fire also spread to the church roof and tiles were removed by the fire service to prevent it spreading further, he said.
The CCTV footage had been passed to police for investigation, Group Cmdr Burns added.
“This was arson,” said Group Commander Andy Burns.
“This had the potential to spread to the adjoining parochial house, which was occupied, and people can lose their lives in this type of incident,” he said.
“We would ask our young people, please do not get involved in setting deliberate fires, setting fires like this is very dangerous.”
Local politicians have praised the actions of the fire crews who tackled the blaze.
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