Church damaged as severe blaze hits

A church in Kidderminster was badly damaged by fire when a blaze broke out around midnight causing serious damage to the ceiling, walls and interior of the building.

Police and fire experts were today trying to find the cause of the blaze, which also destroyed a Christmas tree inside Trinity Methodist Church, at Churchfields.

The church was cordoned off this morning and forensic experts were today sifting through debris for clues to the cause of the fire.

Councillor Mumshad Ahmed, from Wyre Forest District Council, who had been driving along the St Mary's Ring Road in the town spotted heavy smoke pouring from the windows and roof of the building and raised the alarm.

He said: "The smoke was like fog around the Crossley Retail Park traffic lights. The fire crews did a tremendous job."

Kidderminster Station Officer David Williams said: "The church is part of a complex of community buildings constructed in the 1970s and fortunately we were able to prevent the blaze spreading.

"It did not take the roof but there is a lot of damage inside to the walls, ceiling, the drapes behind the alter, chairs, kneelers and the organ."