Suspected arson at new Syrian Orthodox church under construction in Leimen
Police in Leimen, Germany, are investigating suspected arson after a fire was deliberately set inside the shell of a new Syrian Orthodox church. The blaze, which produced flames several metres high, was extinguished before it could cause major damage to the building.
A fire broke out inside the new Syrian Orthodox church under construction in Leimen during the early hours of 7 June 2026, prompting a police investigation on suspicion of arson.
The fire was discovered at around 4 a.m. after a witness alerted the emergency services. According to firefighters, a pile of wooden construction materials located inside the church had been set alight, producing flames estimated to be four to five metres high. The fire occurred within the unfinished church building, which was still accessible because windows, doors and interior works had not yet been completed.
Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to other parts of the structure. Although the fire caused only limited damage, police stated that there was no indication of a technical cause and are therefore treating the incident as suspected arson.
The church, dedicated to St. Mary, has been under construction for approximately four years and is intended to serve the local Syrian Orthodox community. The congregation currently holds services in a neighbouring community centre while construction continues.The Heidelberg Criminal Police Department has opened an investigation and appealed for witnesses to come forward. No injuries were reported.
Source: rnz.de, regenbogen
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