SECURITY will be stepped up at a world-famous church in Hampshire after a fire started in a chapel.

Arsonists are believed to have struck at Romsey Abbey after an altar cloth was set on fire while visitors were touring the town centre landmark The fire took place sometime between 10.45am and 11.05am on Tuesday, July 26, at the altar in the St Lawrence Chapel of the abbey.

A member of the public noticed the fire and informed the verger, who put it out with a fire extinguisher.

A spokesman from Hampshire police said they are not attributing this to a hate crime at this stage.

Now a warden said security would be stepped up but that their doors would remain open.

Nigel Herriott said: “The Abbey is open all day, every day.

“There always visitors coming in and out.

“From our point of view we’re just glad that no one was hurt and that we were able to put it out fairly quickly and that the damage wasn’t worse.

“Obviously we’re very sad that it’s happened, it’s upsetting but I don’t know who did it.

“We’re reviewing whether we need to o anything with our security arrangement we want it to remain as open to people t, that people should to celebrate Holy Communion.

“We want to continue with business as usual.

“We’re going to be more sensitive to possibilities.”

He added that while the cloth was not expensive, it was made by members of the congregation and was “a labour of love” for those who made it.

Vicar of Romsey, Canon Rev Tim Sledge said: “We will be looking at how everybody in the abbey is vulnerable and we wil make sure that everybody is safe, that’s the most important thing.

“The Abbey will stay open at all hours as it does now.”

They said: “The fire caused some damage to the cloth and left scorch marks on the edge of the wooden altar.

“It is thought the fire was started deliberately, although there is no evidence at this stage to suggest this was a hate crime.

“An investigation has started to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in Romsey Abbey at the time and saw what took place or anything suspicious.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Kelly Drodge at Hedge End police station on 101, quoting 44160278741.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.