Police charged a 24-year-old man with "wilful fire-raising" for setting Saint Simon's Catholic Church on fire. The incident took place on July 28 and damaged the Archdiocese of Glasgow severely. As a result of the fire the churches roof, interior and upper walls were completely destroyed. The church was the 'spiritual home' to the Polish community in Glasgow. Further information was not released by the police.
Emergency services had to evacuate nearby residents, but no one was hurt during the fire. In a statement detective inspector Kenny McDonald said: "We know this fire has been devastating and has caused much distress to the local and wider community. Along with our partners we will continue to support our communities. I would like to reassure the public that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and officers will continue to patrol the area."
Local politician Carol Monaghan published on Twitter: "This was the news parishioners didn't want to hear. We had hoped the fire was accidental. To hear that someone deliberately targeted our wee church is really upsetting."