Bell tower of historic church in Saint Omer, France, collapses during arson fire

SAINT OMER, France — A major fire intentionally set at a historic church in the northern French town of Saint-Omer, causing extensive damage and leading to the collapse of its bell tower, French government officials reported.

Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, the fire was eventually brought under control, but the church tower could not be saved.

Officials confirmed that there were no casualties, though approximately 50 nearby residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

The church, known for its neo-Gothic furniture, dates back to 1859 and was restored and reopened in 2018.

A man known to authorities “for similar acts” in the past, has been detained over the fire, a prosecutor said.