Historic Chapel in Port Talbot Severely Damaged in Suspected Arson

Case information
Incident date
Country
United Kingdom
Place
Port Talbot
Categories
  • Government Restrictions
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Arson
  • Vandalism (all)
Place of Incident
  • Chapel
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Facebook

A historic Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in Port Talbot was severely damaged by a fire suspected to be arson.

The incident occurred in the evening of 24 April 2025 at the Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, a disused 19th-century chapel on Station Road. Emergency services found the building completely ablaze upon arrival, and multiple fire crews were deployed to extinguish the fire, continuing operations into the early hours of 25 April.

The fire caused severe structural damage to the chapel. Authorities have indicated that the incident is being treated as suspected arson. Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, have been arrested on suspicion of involvement, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Following the incident, local authorities implemented safety measures around the site, including securing the area and assessing the stability of the remaining structure.

Sources