POLICE have launched an investigation into a devastating fire that ravaged a West End church in the early hours of the morning.
St Simon's Catholic Church on Bridge Street in Partick went up in flame at around 4.30am this morning, with more than 30 firefighters and police tackling the blaze.
The 160-year-old building was reduced to rubble after the flames went out, with police and fire services currently unable to determine the cause of the fire.
Commenting on the news on Twitter, SNP MP Carol Monaghan said she was "absolutely devastated".
She went on: "Those who have visited St Simon’s will know what a special place this was and will understand how devastating this loss is for the Catholic community in Partick."
I am absolutely devastated to hear that my parish church of St Simon’s in Partick has been destroyed in a fire.
— Carol Monaghan MP 🏴 (@CMonaghanSNP) July 28, 2021
Those who have visited St Simon’s will know what a special place this was and will understand how devastating this loss is for the Catholic community in Partick. https://t.co/lUCfWdj1sd
Chief Inspector Natalie Carr, local area commander said: "This remains a multiagency incident and due to the fact that the building is unsafe, at this time neither Police nor Scottish Fire and Rescue officers have been able to get in to the church to establish how the fire started. Enquiries are very much at an early stage and we cannot speculate at this time as to the cause.
"We are also working with the Archdiocese of Glasgow and Glasgow City Council with regard to the welfare of those who use the church and local residents some of whom will not be able to return to their homes until the building has been made safe."
Police have also appealed to the public for any information in regards to the incident.
Chief Inspector Carr said: "We are aware this fire will be devastating to the local and indeed wider community, and along with our partners we will continue to support our communities. Additional officers will be in the area and I would encourage the local community to engage with these officers should they require assistance or believe they may have information to assist any of the agencies involved.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area of Partick Cross and Partick Bridge Street on Wednesday morning, particularly around 2.30am and 3.00am. Also, if you happened to be driving in the area, including along Dumbarton Road, at that time and have any dashcam footage, then please get in touch with police.
“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0417 of Wednesday, 28 July, 2021. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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