Homeless woman arrested over church fire

Updated 14.13 Tue Jul 29 2008

Keywords: London, Shepherd's Bush Road, hostel, church, homeless

A homeless woman has been arrested on suspicion of starting a fire which engulfed a church.

More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at Great Commission Ministry Church in Shepherd's Bush Road, west London, after a call-out at 6.56am.

Scotland Yard said a 36-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and taken to a west London police station

The fire started in a neighbouring homeless hostel, which housed people with substance abuse and mental health issues, before spreading to the church whose roof was destroyed and the building damaged by water.

Scotland Yard said a 36-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and taken to a west London police station. Emergency service sources said she was homeless and staying at the hostel when the fire broke out.

The woman had some superficial cuts on her arms but did not need medical treatment, according to a source.

Everyone staying in the hostel left the building and no injuries were reported, London Fire Brigade spokesman Tim Chidgey said.

"The fire on the first floor on the hostel was easily contained, but it has spread to the church. Evacuees are helping police determine how the fire began."

A police spokesperson said cordons remain in place whilst the fire brigade make the area safe.