Church nativity scene destroyed in suspected arson attack

Members of Shirley Warren Action Church in Southampton, Hampshire, had spent “hours and hours” and hundreds of pounds building a nativity scene.



But the scene, complete with Joseph and Mary and sheep and cows in a stable, that had been outside the church for about three weeks went up in smoke after it was torched. It was going to be the centre point of a Christmas family service on Sunday.

Church minister Reverend Jenny Elliott said: “Our idea was to bring some kind of presence into the community. People loved the idea, a team of volunteers got together to build a set of life-size figures. It was very sad to see what happened. I was very stunned when I arrived.” Rev Elliott added: “Some volunteers put a lot of time and love and money to create that nativity scene.”



But on Sunday afternoon the “defiant” community came together for a service featuring the nativity with real people playing the characters sat in the burnt-out cabin. Church treasurer Angie Baker said the show went on despite the blaze. She said: “We had actual people sat in there. They’re not going to beat us.” Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call Hampshire police.