No arrests yet as abbey fire probe goes on
AN investigation into an alleged arson at one of the West’s most historic religious buildings is ongoing with no arrests having yet been made.
The 12th-century Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire was only minutes away from potentially suffering catastrophic damage when vandals allegedly set bins on fire next to the church.
Wiltshire Police say that at approximately 9.45pm on June 3, officers were alerted to the incident in Abbey Row where three bins had been set on fire.
The fire service were in attendance and the fire was extinguished.
Police say they believe the fire was started deliberately and would urge anyone who witnessed anybody acting suspiciously in the area before it broke out to call police on 101.
Inspector James Brain said: “We understand the upset this incident has caused to the local community and we are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible.
“There have been ongoing issues in Malmesbury recently with a small group of individuals acting in an antisocial manner causing problems for residents. I must stress this is a very small group of people.
“I’d like to reassure residents that we understand their concerns and are working closely with partners to come up with the best solution to these issues. Antisocial behaviour can really impact on a close-knit community like Malmesbury.”
Officers urged anyone who may have CCTV footage or anyone who may have been driving in the area with a dash cam fitted to their vehicle to contact them.
Malmesbury Abbey has been part of the Church of England for almost 500 years although its worship was earlier shaped by Celtic pilgrims and Benedictine monks.
It is the third abbey to be built on the site in the historic town, with Malmesbury thought to be the first capital of England.
The Grade I listed abbey is built on the site of a former Saxon monastery dating back to AD700.
Athelstan, the first king of all England, was buried in Malmesbury Abbey in 939.
It was an important Benedictine abbey and a noted seat of learning.
It was given a Grade I listing in 1949, having survived previous fires and the English Civil War.
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