Arson Attack at Market Drayton’s St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church in Market Drayton, Shropshire, was the target of a deliberate arson attack. Firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted on the morning of 9 June, arriving to find the large oak rear door of the church engulfed in flames. The fire was threatening to spread to nearby curtains and wooden roof timbers. Thanks to their swift emergency response, firefighters contained the fire before it could cause more extensive damage.
Fire crews arrived at 07:51 BST and tackled the blaze using breathing apparatus and high-pressure hose reels. Despite their efforts, the church suffered significant smoke damage inside, and the historic oak door was severely charred. A subsequent fire investigation confirmed that the fire had been started deliberately. West Mercia Police have launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for information relating to the incident.
In a statement to the Shropshire Star, church leaders confirmed that the damage to the rear entrance was considerable. Although no one was injured, the interior of the church was left heavily smoke-logged, and some furnishings and carpets will require professional cleaning or replacement.
Church officials emphasised their gratitude to both emergency services and the public, stating, “St Mary's would like to thank everyone in town for their concern and kind words of support following he recent fire at the church.”
St Mary’s Church, a prominent historic building dating back to the medieval period, is a key spiritual and historical site in Market Drayton. The arson attack has shocked the local community, and while no motive has yet been identified, police are continuing their inquiries to establish who was responsible and why the church was targeted.
Source: Shropshire Star BBC
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