Fire destroys disused church in Preston
A disused church in Preston has been destroyed after fire broke out in the building yesterday (30th January).
More than 40 firefighters were called to the former Spiritualist Church on Moor Lane at 11pm on Monday.
Around 50 people, the majority of whom were students from the nearby University of Central Lancashire, had to be evacuated from their homes by crews.
Watch manager Gary Kiyani of Preston fire service revealed that the cause of the blaze is likely to be deliberate.
He told the Lancashire Evening Post: "The building has a history of vandalism and people breaking in and squatting and, while we do not believe there was anyone in the building at the time we arrived, we are treating the fire as suspicious."
A building inspector is due to arrive at the scene today and assess the structural integrity of the blaze, although demolition crews are widely expected to have to demolish the church.
Posted by Ryan Stevens
