Arson attack sparks severe blaze at Rowley Regis church

Three crews attended the Knowle Methodist Church in Dudley Road after a call at 2.45pm today.

Crews from Oldbury, Tipton and Haden Cross attended the fire, which raged in multiple parts of the building, causing 100 per cent smoke damage to the hall.

West Midlands Fore Service confirmed that it was an arson attack which sparked the blaze.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: "We were called out to a severe fire in the church hall which measured 20m by 20m.

"There were multiple seats of fire in the building."

Ward Councillor Barbara Price said: "This is so sad to hear as the church has been there for a number of years.

"It's awful this has happened and I'm deeply saddened.

"I'm really upset to hear about this."

The church will be temporarily out of action as it is on the same gas line as the church hall and cannot be heated.