Arson attack at Quaker Friends Meeting House in Gloucester

AN ARSON attack has devastated a place of worship and cost its congregation thousands of pounds.

The attack happened just five days after the Quaker Friends Meeting House in Greyfriars reopened following the last bout of vandalism.

A fire ripped through the lobby overnight on September 12 putting the building out of use for up to four months.

The loss of money made from hiring out the hall to other groups and funds raised from a weekly lunch for Oxfam is expected to reach into thousands of pounds.

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Police have launched an appeal for information.

It follows on from a previous lead theft which caused significant water damage to the Grade-II listed building.

A warden for the Friends Meeting House said: "We only reopened the Friday before and now we have had to close again. It's so sad that someone would want to do this.

"I don't think they realise what this place is and the work we do for others.

"The only way to deal with it is to not allow yourself to become a victim and focus on moving on from it."

A weekly lunch for Oxfam raised £20,000 last year but is now on hold, while Quaker meetings are now being held at the Park Street Mission until the building can be restored.

But builders, who are on site, will have to wait for electrical damage to be repaired first.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.