Services to be moved following church fire

The fire caused damage to the Sacristy and its roof as well as minor damage to the back of the church along with smoke damage in the church itself.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and the damage was not too extensive, but St John’s will be closed on June 17 and 18 whilst the clean-up takes place.

Saturday evening’s vigil Mass at 6pm will take place in the parish hall and Sunday morning Mass at 11am will take place in the table tennis club next door.

Parish Priest Canon David Foley said: “Thank God no one was hurt and (we) are extremely grateful for the work of the Fire Service in putting the fire out and stopping the fire spreading further.
“They are also touched by the kindness of the table tennis club who have been willing to allow them access so they are able to celebrate Mass this Sunday.”

East Sussex Fire and Rescue service said it was treating the fire as deliberate.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “A fire at a church in Brighton is being treated as arson.”