Arson Attack Against Church in Vaggeryd

Case information
Incident date
Country
Sweden
Place
Vaggeryd
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Arson
  • Desecration
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Church
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Victim/Witness Perception
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated

During the night of 29 September the Haghults church in Klevshult was set on fire by an unknown perpetrator. A bell tower from the 18th century was completely destroyed and the cemetery was also damaged by the fire. The fire was reported by a witness. Police have started investigations into the arson.

The church dates back to the 13th century, the clock tower was built in 1775.

- "It was both shock and sadness. It feels incredibly sad what has happened" says Maria Åberg (Pastor) "There are so many here who love their church." (SVT)

- ...the whole tower is collapsed and completely destroyed" - Richard Wertheimer (internal commander of the rescue service) (SVT)

Sources