Two hundred years of history up in smoke: Teenager arrested on suspicion of arson after Grade II Listed church is gutted by fire

A teenage boy has been arrested after a fire ripped through a 200-year-old Grade II listed church, causing more than £1million of damage.

The 17-year-old, who has not been named, was arrested by officers investigating an attack on All Saints Church in Fleet, Hampshire, yesterday evening.

Locals said the church was apparently targeted by another arsonist two weeks ago after a bible was found in flames after being left near the font, but was quickly put out.

Church officials say the fire, which is believed to have started around 5.30pm, has caused more than £1million in damage, destroying the building's roof and stained glass windows

Church officials said the roof was destroyed, along with many of the original stained glass windows.

Police confirmed that the boy had been arrested, but said investigations are continuing, while a cordon remains in place around the building.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Guildford which governs Fleet, said: 'The cost of the damage caused to the church is estimated to reach millions of pounds.'

Local residents described the church as the centre of their community and the Rev. Mark Hayton was today at the scene consolling distressed worshippers.

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