Blaze which destroyed church 'was not malicious'

An overnight fire which destroyed a church in a flashpoint area of north Belfast was not malicious, investigators said today.

Forensic experts believe the blaze, which gutted Jennymount Methodist Church, was accidental.

A police spokesman said: “Initial investigations by the fire service and police would suggest the fire was not malicious.”

Firefighters fought in vain to save the church, off North Queen Street, which was preparing to celebrate its centenary.

Despite the efforts of six appliances, the church was completely destroyed.

The Rev Jim Lemon described it as a tragedy for the 500 families who worship at Jennymount.

But he vowed to erect a new building as soon as possible.

“We are taking about a complete new build. Nothing is going to be saved,” he said.

Up to 40 police officers, assisted by soldiers, evacuated families living near the church as nearby properties were at risk from the flames.

As firefighters continued to try to save the building, the residents were moved to a Presbyterian church hall in Alexandra Park Avenue.

Divisional Fire Officer Jeff Bannerman said nothing could be done to save the church.

He said: “Our main priority was to evacuate people from Deacon Street, Gainsborough Drive and North Queen Street. In total it was about 40 families.

“This was due to the fact of the amount of smoke, the impending collapse of the building and radiated heat from the fire.”