The Vicar of a church in Old Basing has been left ‘shocked’ after a fire was started in St Mary’s Church, in Church Lane.
The blaze, which began behind the rear pews, did not spread but damage was caused to the inside of the church. Police are now appealing for any witnesses who may have see someone enter the church sometime between 3.30pm and 5.20pm on Thursday July 8.
Father Andrew Bishop, the Vicar of Old Basing and Lychpit, commented: “It was very shocking to find that someone had attempted to start a fire in the church. Fortunately it was an inexpert job and the damage, whilst costly, is not significant. “St Mary’s Church is extremely precious to the whole community of Old Basing and Lychpit.
PC Tracey Read, from the Old Basing Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “This was a despicable act and fortunately the fire did not spread and cause more extensive damage. This is a very rare occurrence and the village prides itself of being able to leave the church open for all to use.”
Anyone with information about the incident can contact PC Read on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
For more information about policing in the area visit the local pages of Hampshire Constabulary at www.hampshire.police.uk
