Police investigate arson attack at Heaton Park Methodist Church
Police have described the incident as "disgusting".
A man hunt is underway after a church in Bury was vandalized, robbed and then set alight.
Police say the fire at Heaton Park Methodist Church was started deliberately after a break in on Saturday evening
Officers were contacted by the fire service at around 8pm on Saturday 22nd December to report that there was a fire in the building on Bury Old Road.
The blaze was put out by the fire service and further enquiries suggest that offenders broke in to the building shortly before the fire started, by smashing a number of windows.
It's believed that as they were searching for valuable items to take, the fire was started before the offenders fled the scene with a laptop and a projector.
The fire caused significant damage to the building which will we're told will require expensive repairs.
Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, of GMP’s Bury borough, said: “There’s no way to describe the offenders actions, other than to say they were disgusting.
“To break into a church, set a fire and then steal valuables would be bad enough any other time of the year but to do it a few days before Christmas, which is a time when many people turn to their church, is nothing short of disgusting.
“I know this incident will cause a lot of upset locally but I want to reassure the people of Bury that we are treating this as a priority and we are liaising closely with the GMFRS to establish exactly what has happened to cause the fire.
“However, we still need the public’s help to find those responsible. If you believe that you can help us find them then please contact the police as a matter of urgency. We simply cannot tolerate this kind of behaviour.”
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8172 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111