Arson fear as church is badly damaged by fire

A woman was arrested on suspicion of arson today after the roof of a historic church was nearly destroyed by fire.

Parts of Shepherd's Bush were cordoned off as more than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze which began in a hostel and spread to The Great Commission Ministry church.

Formerly known as the Shepherds Bush Tabernacle, the church was taken over by the Great Commission Ministry, an evangelical group of Christians, six months ago. The church building dates back more than 100 years.

Emergency services were called by a member of the public shortly before 7am today after flames were spotted coming from the hostel, which is in the church grounds.

People staying in the hostel, a charitable housing association for homeless people, had already evacuated the building after hearing alarms.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said there were no injuries.

Roads surrounding the church were sealed off as fire crews battled to bring the blaze under control.

The fire brought chaos to west London as traffic had to be diverted onto routes already busy with morning rush-hour traffic.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area completely.

Firefighters were lifted high into the sky on ladder platforms to pump water through gaping holes the flames had created in the building's slate roof.

Timbers supporting the roof were badly damaged and the water left parts of the building in ruins.

It is likely the area will be cordoned off for the rest of the day as crews make the area safe and continue with their investigations.

Tim Chidgey, a spokesman for the fire brigade, said: "The fire on the first floor of the hostel was easily contained but it had spread to the church.

"Half of the roof has been destroyed and there is extensive water damage to the building. The self evacuees are helping police to determine how the fire began."

At its peak there were 15 fire engines outside the church, which is thought to be popular with the local Filipino community.

The Great Commission Ministry bought the freehold to the neighbouring hostel, which is run as a charitable housing trust for homeless people and drug addicts.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan police, who were called at about 8am said: "A 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson." Simon Baker, who lives in a flat opposite the church in Shepherd's Bush Road, said: "At one point there was smoke and flames billowing from the building. The roads were sealed off as it got worse. The thick, black smoke went down gradually and it looked as though they had it under control quite quickly."