25 firefighters sent to arson attack at derelict Walsall church

Four fire engines and a hydraulic platform were sent to the scene in Forest Gate, New Invention, at around 8.20pm on Thursday.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "The first fire engine got to the scene in under four minutes.

"The stop message came in at 10.52pm, it says it was a severe fire in a single-storey derelict church.

"We had four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using two hose reel jets and a main water jet.

"We also had the hydraulic platform above the fire, firing water down at it.

"The gas and electricity were isolated.

"We were dampening it down to make sure it didn't start again.

"We did a full search of the building and couldn't see anyone there.

"It's believed to have been started deliberately.

"We left just after midnight and did a site visit at 7am just to make sure there were no hot spots."

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "We are investigating after being called to reports of a suspected arson attack at an empty church in Rugeley Avenue, Willenhall at around 8.40pm yesterday.

"Firefighters alerted us to the fire at the building which we believe has been void for some time. No one was reported injured and our enquiries continue.

"Anyone with any information can get in touch with us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk, quoting crime reference number 20WS/101432L/20, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."