The scene of the blaze at Greenisland Church of Ireland.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are tackling a major blaze tonight at a church in County Antrim.
The fire broke out this evening, Sunday 1 September, at Greenisland Church of Ireland on Station Road in the town. Images shared widely on social media show a scene of destruction from the blaze which occurred just hours after the church family celebrated their 70th anniversary.
In a short statement on social media, a spokesperson for Greenisland Church of Ireland said:
"Folks we have awful news. There’s a terrible fire at the church.
“It started at the back of the building and as I write the fire crews are desperately trying to stop it from spreading to the whole building. Please pray.
“We are just so thankful that the building was empty and nobody has been hurt.”
In a further update the church confirmed that the “roof of hall and parish centre gone”.
The updates continue: “We’re starting to be hopeful that the structure of the main church will be ok (though it will be massively water damaged - huge amounts of water are being poured on the roof). The fire crews are doing an incredible job, we’re so thankful to them.”
Messages of support have been coming in by members of the community shocked by the scenes of devastation.
Video: Stewart Dickson MLA
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has closed the Station Road will fire crews continue to bring the blaze under control. A police spokesperson commented:
“The Station Road in Greenisland is currently closed to traffic while emergency services deal with a fire at a church in the area. Road users are asked to seek alternate routes.”
In a statement just released by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, a spokesperson said:
“NIFRS crews are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at Greenisland Baptist Church, Station Road, Greenisland.
“At present there are 9 Fire Appliances and 49 personnel carrying out firefighting operations.
“We would advise members of the public to avoid the area where possible and nearby homeowners to keep their windows and doors closed.”