Crews tackle church fire

A fire investigation is underway after a serious fire at a church in Stoke-on-Trent.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to St John the Evangelist on the A34 Newcastle Road, Trent Vale, at 2.35am this morning (20 April).

Crews including Newcastle, Hanley, Longton, Stone, Eccleshall and Sandyford attended the scene alongside specialist service vehicles including the aerial ladder platform (ALP).

A temporary road closure was put in place and they used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and a main jet to bring the fire under control.

The fire was extinguished at around 5.20am but crews continue to dampen down hotspots.

A structural engineer is on the scene and an investigation into the cause is on-going with assistance from Staffordshire Police.

Station Manager Lee Chevin added, “We understand and appreciate the significant impact this fire will have on the local community and continue to liaise with the church wardens as we work to establish the cause of the fire.”