Fire rips through historic Hampshire church

Firefighters saved a stained glass window and other historic artefacts at a Norman church which was badly damaged by a fire earlier today. Dozens of Hampshire firefighters tackled the blaze which destroyed the bell tower and half of the roof of St Andrew's Church at Timsbury near Romsey.

Fire investigators are looking into the cause. Local residents say they're distraught over what's happened.

Fire crews spent several hours trying to contain the blaze, which broke out at St Andrews Church in Timsbury at 7.30 this morning.

Six crews managed to bring the fire under control and save as many historic artefacts as possible including a stained glass window. Half of the roof was damaged.

Firefighters used four breathing apparatus, three jets and hose reels to put the fire out.Crews remain on scene for the next few hours and are working with the church to salvage as much as possible.The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and there is a fire investigation on going.

Firefighters have managed to save a medieval Hampshire church after fire broke out.

Dozens of firefighters fought the flames at St Andrew's in Timsbury near Romsey early this morning.

The blaze ripped into the roof and bell tower but swift action saved around half of the roof of the Norman church.

The alarm was raised at about 7.30am and crews with six pumps took an hour to put out the flames.

The cause of the blaze was unclear and will be investigated. No one was hurt.