Pews set alight in St Mary's Church: Church Lane, Basingstoke
(RG24 - Friday, 9 July, 2010)

Police are appealing for witnesses after a fire in a church in Old Basing on Thursday, July 8.

Sometime between 3.30pm and 5.20pm a fire was started behind the rear pews of St Mary's Church in Church Lane.

The fire did not spread but damage was caused to the inside of the church.

PC Tracey Read, of the Old Basing Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said:

"This was a despicable act and fortunately the fire did not spread and cause more extensive damage.

"This is a very rare occurrence and the village prides itself on being able to leave the church door open for all to use.

"If you were in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, please contact us as soon as possible."

Father Andrew Bishop, the Vicar of Old Basing and Lychpit added:

"It was very shocking to find that someone had attempted to start a fire in the church.

"Fortunately it was an inexpert job and the damage, whilst costly, is not significant.

"We at St Mary's pride ourselves on being able to keep the church open for all parishioners to come in and pray and be still.

"The church is the sacred place at the heart of our community and to find it violated in this way is extremely distressing.

"People are always coming in and out of the church - clergy, flower arrangers and the like - and so any incident will always be quickly spotted.

"St Mary's Church is extremely precious to the whole community of Old Basing and Lychpit."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Read on 0845 045 4545 or 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Hampshire

Address:
St Mary's Church
Church Lane
Basingstoke
HAMPSHIRE
RG24