Church fire caused by children smoking?
Detectives say that children smoking on the way to school might be to blame for the big church fire at Hornby on Monday. Two young boys had been seen smoking near St Columba’s church before fire gutted the 72-year-old building about 8.30 a.m., said a spokesman for the Hornby police yesterday. Several children from nearby schools had been
interviewed by the police. The fire was still being regarded as suspicious, but had not been confirmed as arson, the spokesman said. A special service would be held on the lawn of the bumt-out church at 9.30 a.m. this Sunday, said the vicar of St Columba’s (the Rev. Martin Warren). “It will take the form of
a thanksgiving service for the part the church has played in the community in the last 72 years,” said Mr Warren. The church was far too badly damaged to be rebuilt, he said. A special meeting would be held at the Hornby Rugby Club rooms after Sunday’s service to launch plans for a new church.
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Press, 30 November 1978, Page 2
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175Church fire caused by children smoking? Press, 30 November 1978, Page 2
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