Man charged in relation with west end church fire

A man has been charged with wilful fire-raising in connection with a blaze which destroyed a church. Police Scotland said on Tuesday that the 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the fire at St Simon's Catholic Church in Partick Bridge Street, Glasgow, last month.

At the time of the incident on Wednesday July 28, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said one person was helped out of the property.

Nearby homes were evacuated and dozens of firefighters sent to tackle the blaze after the alarm was raised at about 2.40am.

Police Scotland Detective Inspector Kenny McDonald said: "We know this fire has been devastating and has caused much distress to the local and wider community. Along with our partners we will continue to support our communities.

"I would like to reassure the public that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and officers will continue to patrol the area.''

B-listed St Simon's was built in 1855 and held daily services, and masses for the Polish community on Sundays.

Following the fire, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said its loss was a "heavy blow''.

He said: "The destruction of St Simon's church by fire will be a blow to people far beyond the west end of Glasgow.

"Though small in size, St Simon's was well-frequented and was the spiritual home of the Polish community in the west of Scotland who had established a shrine there.

"It was also a focal point for the local community, and especially the homeless who benefited from a cafe on site which had to be suspended during the pandemic.''

The church's link with the Polish community dated back to the Second World War.

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