Shops open as normal as blaze probe under way

A major investigation began yesterday after the blaze which devastated Lochee Old and St Luke’s Parish Church on Monday night.

Officers from Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue are conducting inquiries.

Shopkeepers said they repeatedly called police over concerns teenagers were breaking into the abandoned church prior to Monday’s blaze.

Small heat pockets were still being tackled in the building yesterday morning, and a police cordon closed nearby Methven Street and Bright Street to the public.

The church roof has collapsed as a result of the fire, leaving external walls and a spire which were being inspected by Dundee City Council engineers.

Shops surrounding the derelict kirk opened as normal yesterday morning, almost entirely unaffected by smoke and flame.

George Mather, owner of George’s Barbers, directly across from the blaze, said: “We were, fortunately, able to open the shop as normal on Tuesday morning.

“There was no smoke damage or smell, or heat damage, which is lucky.

“I think because the wind was blowing away from the shop is why we weren’t too badly affected.”

Poundstretcher also opened as normal.

Manager Pauline Bennett said: “I was in first thing Tuesday morning to get the store open, we don’t have any fire or smoke damage and have been as busy as is normal for a Tuesday.

“I’ve tried to find out when Methven Street will be open for access again, as it is the only place we can accept our deliveries from.”

Neither Police Scotland or Scottish Fire and Rescue could answer when Methven Street and Bright Street will open for vehicle access again.

It is understood that the roads will need to remain closed while the early stages of the investigation are carried out.

Lochee Parish Church minister the Rev Willie Strachan said: “Everybody is shocked, everybody is upset.

“We’re all very, very pleased that there have been no injuries.

“Nobody has been hurt, as we understand it.

“Obviously some folk were evacuated last night. Hopefully we’ll do whatever we can to help support them if that’s possible. I’ve had some discussion with local councillors about that.”