St Peter's Church fire in Bishop Auckland treated as 'arson'

Durham Police were called to reports of a fire at St Peter’s Church on Princes Street in Bishop Auckland at 7pm on Wednesday (April 10).

They have confirmed they are treating the blaze as arson and have launched an investigation alongside County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS).

CDDFRS confirmed five appliances from Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, Durham and Darlington attended the scene, along with one aerial ladder platform.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Police were called shortly after 7pm last night (April 10) to reports of a fire at St Peter’s Church on Princes Street, Bishop Auckland.

“Officers assisted fire crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service at the scene.

“The fire is being treated as arson and a joint investigation is now underway.”

Pictures taken from the scene showed emergency services converge on the site of the church as efforts to put out the fire were carried out.

A CDDFRS spokesperson said: “We were called at around 7.54pm on Wednesday, April 10 to a fire at St Peter’s Church on Princes Street, Bishop Auckland.

“Five engines from Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, Durham and Darlington attended the scene, along with one aerial ladder platform from Durham.

“Crews used electric saws and other tools to enter the building.

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“Firefighters then used a hose reel, mainline jet, and thermal imaging cameras to extinguish the blaze.

“Crews left the scene at 10.35pm.

“A joint investigation with Durham Constabulary has been launched to establish the cause of the fire.”