Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Police are hunting those responsible for an arson attack that caused severe damage to an outbuilding at Crowthorne Baptist Church.

Sometime between 9.40pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday 21 February, someone smashed the rear window of a Portakabin located at the side of the Baptist Church in High Street, Crowthorne. The building was used to store toys for children attending the Sunday school and play groups.

An ignition source, possibly a match or cigarette, was dropped through the window onto some cushions and soft toys, causing a fire which severely damaged the building’s contents. No-one was inside the Portakabin at the time.

Crowthorne PC Nathan Mitchell, who is investigating the incident, said: “There was a meeting at the church that evening, which ended at approximately 9.40pm, and those who attended did not notice anything untoward when they left the premises.

“We are appealing to anyone who saw somebody behaving suspiciously near the church at the time, or who has any other information that could help us to identify those responsible, to come forward and assist with our inquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Mitchell on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne