THE Archdiocese of Glasgow described the “terrible sight” at St Simon’s Church in Glasgow following a devastating fire early yesterday morning.
More than 30 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze at the church on Partick Bridge Street after the alarm was raised at about 2.40am. People living in nearby properties were evacuated.
The fire was extinguished by late morning but two fire engines remained at the scene at 2pm.
Police said emergency services could not get inside the church to determine the cause of the blaze because it is unsafe, adding: “We cannot speculate at this time as to the cause.”
St Simon’s, built in 1855, was a B-listed church. It was closed temporarily due to lockdown restrictions but has been operating in recent weeks with daily services, and masses for the Polish community on Sundays.
The Archdiocese of Glasgow shared a heart-breaking image – believed to be taken using a drone camera – revealing the extent of the damage at the historic property.
A terrible sight tonight. Nothing left of the roof or interior or upper walls. St Simon’s church has been reduced to a charred shell. pic.twitter.com/U9B2ujXiQS
— Archdiocese of Glasgow (@ArchdiocGlasgow) July 28, 2021
“Nothing left of the roof or interior or upper walls,” they said. “St Simon’s church has been reduced to a charred shell.”
Kaukab Stewart, SNP MSP for the area, wrote that she was “so sad” about the fire and “ready to help in any way I can”.
Carol Monaghan, SNP MP for Glasgow North West, said she was “absolutely devastated” that the church had been destroyed in the large fire.
“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.”
A spokesperson for the police said: “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.
“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 3am.”
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