ALBAWABA - A man was arrested after a large fire broke out at a 19th-century church in northern France, causing the bell tower to go down in flames, prosecutors told the press.
The ancient Church of the Immaculate Conception in the northern town of Saint-Omer caught fire early Monday. There were no injuries, but the church tower fell. Later that night, social media footage showed the flames eating up the church's steeple.
The prosecutor's office reported that a suspect was arrested on Monday evening. The police report revealed that the suspect had been known to police "for similar acts" in the past, according to Saint-Omer prosecutor Mehdi Benbouzid.
The man, who had been staying in a hostel prior to the event, was being interrogated on Tuesday morning.
The inquiry revealed "traces of forced entry" inside the church, where a stained-glass window was damaged, according to Benbouzid. The prosecutor was considering a criminal prosecution of "destruction of property by dangerous means" due to the property's religious aspect.
According to the prefecture, the fire was brought under control by Monday AM thanks to the efforts of 120 firemen. More than 50 people who live nearby were evacuated as a precaution, according to officials.
Government ministers including Culture Minister Rachida Dati expressed "solidarity" with the residents of Saint-Omer.
