Arson suspected in cathedral blaze

Police are today treating a blaze at Peterborough Cathedral as arson.

Investigating officer Inspector Gary Martin, from Cambridgeshire Police, said "accidental causes" had been ruled out, adding: "We have now identified the seat of the fire, which we know went up very quickly, and arson is being investigated as a possible cause."

The fire, which broke out last night, is believed to have caused millions of pounds of damage.

A verger is today being credited with saving the 12th century cathedral from more severe damage. Nigel Long spotted flames licking at a window of the building and called the fire brigade before the building's alarms sounded.

Up to 50 firefighters battled with the blaze while locals watched in horror as smoke poured from the roof of the cathedral, a landmark in the city. It was brought under control within half an hour.

Fire service spokesman Neil Thompson said: "Mr Long was driving home when he saw flames coming out of a window. If the fire had been detected just minutes later it could have devastated this ancient building."

Firemen say the flames were within 10 to 15 minutes of reaching the medieval wooden roof beams, which would have "gone up" in minutes.

The damage was confined to the wooden casing of the choir organ, a leaded window and two hundred plastic chairs.

Mr Thompson said: "The cathedral's unique medieval painted ceiling, which was completed in 1230, the largest of its type, was not damaged by the fire - however, it may have been damaged by smoke."