On 23 July 2026, police launched a suspected arson investigation into a large fire which severely damaged the former St Bernadette's church in Stoke-on-Trent. Fire investigators concluded that the blaze had been started deliberately, and police opened an investigation to identify those responsible.
On the 23 July 2026, a fire broke out at a church in Stoke-on-Trent, which is currently not being used for liturgical worship. Staffordshire Fire and Resue Service deployed six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to the scene after receiving reports of smoke coming from the building.
Following an investigation, a spokesperson from the emergency services stated that "the fire has been deemed to be deliberate." At the time of reporting, no suspects had been indentified or arrested.