Investigation into Mudeford church fire to begin

The fire service said the stop message was received at 23:10 BST on Thursday

An investigation into a fire that severely damaged a church is set to begin.

Firefighters worked overnight after a blaze broke out at All Saints Church in Mudeford, Christchurch, at 20:10 BST on Thursday.

Seventy firefighters were sent to the scene and remained at the site until 03:30 on Friday.

They are due to return to the scene to start an investigation into the cause of the fire.

It is not yet known if anyone was injured during the blaze.

The area has been fenced off and residents have been asked not to enter the site.

The roof of the church has been severely damaged by the flames.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service said the blaze was "significant" and 12 crews tried to bring the flames under control.

Lay Minister Rhona Duncan said she would rebuild "my church".

"We will get back, whether it is that building or something different - it may well be - but we will rebuild," she said.

A local resident said the church had been part of the local community for a long time.

"I spent all my childhood as a Brownie in there. It's just sad, really sad and I hope that they can rebuild it and save it," she added.

On Thursday night police assisted the crews and closed the surrounding roads.

Residents have been warned not to enter the site

The roof of the church was destroyed by the flames

Fire crews tried to bring the flames at All Saints Church in Mudeford under control

Bystanders watched on as the flames engulfed the building

Large plumes of smoke were seen drifting over the area