POLICE have launched an investigation after a fire was set in a Test Valley church yesterday.

Officers have appealed to anyone with information to contact them after an altar cloth at Romsey Abbey was set alight.

The fire took place sometime between 10.45am and 11.05am on Tuesday 26 July, 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.

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

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

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Kelly Drodge at Hedge End police station on 101, quoting crime reference number 44160278741, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.