A former Dundee church has been destroyed by a massive blaze.
This is bad like !! Lochee church on fire pic.twitter.com/js7tk9VlKE
— Billy Mitchell☮ (@billymitchelluk) September 4, 2017
Flames could be seen shooting through the roof of Lochee Old Parish Church as the fire engulfed the building.
Residents in nearby homes were evacuated as the heat from the inferno caused their windows to crack and several roads surrounding the church were closed.
Police said there were no reports of any injuries or of anyone being trapped inside the building.
Surrounding streets closed, cordons up and folk being directed away from the area. Fire crews on series ladder tackling flames from above.
— Claire Warrender (@C_CWarrender) September 4, 2017
As officers set up cordons to ensure public safety, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service despatched eight appliances, including two aerial ladders.
The church, built in 1830, has been vacant for some time but it is understood some groups still used the rear of the building.
People took to the streets to watch as the fire raged and Lochee councillor Michael Marra said: “The fire is right through the building. You can still see the flames coming out of it.
“People have been evacuated from their houses on Bright Street.
Locals who formed group Save Lochee High Street are devastated. Rumours fire was started by kids have not been confirmed.
— Claire Warrender (@C_CWarrender) September 4, 2017
“The first concern has to be the safety of people in the area.
“The windows of the flats opposite have been cracking so people have been asked to leave.
“They’ll need accommodation so the council will have to move quickly.”
“People have been evacuated from their houses on Bright Street. The first concern has to be the safety of people in the area.
“The windows of the flats opposite have been cracking so people have been asked to leave.”
The residents were put up in the Sinclair Street sheltered housing complex as a temporary measure.
Local woman Lorraine Paterson said she was devastated to witness the church’s demise.
“It’s Lochee’s most beautiful building. It’s a real favourite so to see this is heartbreaking,” she said.
Fire now well under control in Lochee. A significant blaze but with no indications so far of injury or loss of life in derelict building.
— Michael Marra (@michaeljmarra) September 4, 2017
“It’s been earmarked for housing for ages but it never started. Lochee people were glad because they love the church.”
A police spokesman said that as the blaze developed officers called on Dundee City Council to establish official road closures.
Half of Lochee High Street was shut, along with Methven Street and Bright Street. It was expected that further road closures may have to be put in place.
Residents have been taken to Sinclair Street sheltered housing complex.
The church was built in 1830 but is now vacant although it is understood some community groups use facilities at the rear of the building.
