The Church of the Immaculate Conception in the French town of Saint-Omer has been all but destroyed by a fire that began early in the morning of 2 September. A 39-year-old suspect has been arrested in what is being treated by investigators as a likely arson attack.
The damage to the church building is extensive: the fire consumed both the roof and bell-tower, leading to their collapse. A team of 90 firefighters were required to put out the blaze.
The fire began in the church’s sacristy where, according to Mehdi Benbouzid, Saint-Omer prosecutor, “traces of a break-in” were found.
