Fire crews were called to St. Mary’s Church in Market Drayton this morning, Monday, June 9, after the entrance to the church was deliberately set alight.

Two fire appliances were dispatched from Hodnet and Market Drayton and quickly responded to the scene at 7.52 am.

Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera, tackled the blaze, which was located at the entrance to the church.

They used two hose reel jets to extinguish the flames and positive pressure ventilation to clear the church of smoke.

The incident was brought under control, and a stop message was received at 8.54 am.

Operations and Fire Investigation officers also attended to assess the situation and determine the cause.

Police also attended the scene, officers are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area in the hours before the time it was reported, and may have seen suspicious activity to get in touch with police. 

Anyone with information can email PC Esther Baskyfield on esther.baskyfield@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 68i of June 9, 2025.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.