Investigation underway after large fire at Dorset Church
An investigation is underway into a fire which severely damaged a church in Dorset.
Seventy firefighters were called to All Saints Church in Mudeford near Christchurch shortly after 8pm on Thursday evening (14 July).
Most of the building and its contents has been destroyed.
At the height of the blaze, fire crews were on scene from Christchurch, Springbourne, New Milton, Redhill Park, Westbourne, Ferndown, Poole, Blandford, Swanage and Hamworthy, together with the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, and additional supporting appliances from Hamworthy, Wareham and Christchurch.
The incident was scaled back at approximately 11.40pm, and firefighters remained on scene until 3.30am to dampen down.
Group Manager Stuart Gillion said: “This fire has had a huge impact on so many in the community, both those who used the church and those who live nearby.
"As a Service, we will do whatever we can to support them through the coming weeks and months, and we will also be back out in the area tonight and over the weekend, to offer reassurance and carry out Safe & Well checks in local homes.
“A full fire investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, but the scale of the damage to the building means we cannot access some areas safely at this time. We do believe it started accidentally, but we will have more information once the fire investigation is complete.”
WATCH: Firefighters dampen down after blaze tears through church (Credit: Dave Heath)
Local residents have been taking to social media to show their support for the church.
A post on All Saints Church Facebook page said: "Sadly due to a major fire All Saints is closed for the foreseeable future.
"We will be organising worship in some form or another. Please pray for us as we find with God’s help our way forward."
The following photos, taken by Dave Heath, show the extent of the damage to the church.