Ringing is temporarily suspended at The Victoria Tower (formerly St Mary’s church and Medway Heritage Centre) following a fire in the early hours of Monday, 15th August 2011.
Police are treating the incident as suspicious after a number of people called 999 reporting a fire in the roof. Fortunately, the tower and bells are unscathed, with the damage being to the porch that connects the main building to the tower, which is virtually detached. Kent Fire & Rescue Service provided a number of pumps and crew to extinguish the blaze, and police had to close Dock Road for sometime at around 5.30am.
Kent Police are appealing for anyone with information or who may have seen any suspicious activity to contact them.
Thanks to Tim & D Wraight for the photo.