Appeal for information following fire at St Simon's Church in Glasgow
The blaze broke out in the early hours on Wednesday morning.
Last updated 28th Jul 2021
An investigation's underway after a fire broke out at St Simon's Catholic Church in Glasgow in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police are appealing for any information following the blaze - which more than 30 firefighters were called to.
Locals were evacuated from their property, and a woman next door had to be treated for smoke inhalation at the scene - however no one was injured from the fire.
Emergency services were called to the fire around 2.50am on Wednesday 28 July and the building was extensively damaged.
Chief Inspector Natalie Carr, local area commander said: "This remains a multiagency incident and due to the fact that the building is unsafe, at this time neither Police nor Scottish Fire and Rescue officers have been able to get in to the church to establish how the fire started.
"Enquiries are very much at an early stage and we cannot speculate at this time as to the cause.
"We are also working with the Archdiocese of Glasgow and Glasgow City Council with regard to the welfare of those who use the church and local residents some of whom will not be able to return to their homes until the building has been made safe.
"We are aware this fire will be devastating to the local and indeed wider community, and along with our partners we will continue to support our communities.
"Additional officers will be in the area and I would encourage the local community to engage with these officers should they require assistance or believe they may have information to assist any of the agencies involved.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area of Partick Cross and Partick Bridge Street on Wednesday morning, particularly around 2.30am and 3.00am.
"Also, if you happened to be driving in the area, including along Dumbarton Road, at that time and have any dash cam footage, then please get in touch with police.
"Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0417 of Wednesday, 28 July, 2021. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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