POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack at Romsey Abbey.

An altar cloth in the abbey was set alight on Tuesday, with a member of the public alerting the verger to the blaze.

The verger then put out the blaze out with a fire extinguisher, and police believe the fire may have been started deliberately.

The cloth was set alight between 10.45am and 11.05am at the altar in the St Lawrence Chapel.

Damage was caused to the cloth while scorch marks were left on the edge of the wooden altar.

Police say that while it is believed it may have been set alight deliberately, there is no evidence to suggest it was a hate crime.

An investigation has begun into the cause.

A warden at Romsey Abbey said security would be stepped up at the church but that their doors would remain open.

Nigel Herriott said: “The Abbey is open all day, every day.

"There always visitors coming in and out.

“From our point of view we’re just glad that no one was hurt and that we were able to put it out fairly quickly and that the damage wasn’t worse.

“Obviously we’re very sad that it’s happened, it’s upsetting but I don’t know who did it.

“We’re reviewing whether we need to do anything with our security arrangement.

“We want to continue with business as usual. We’re going to be more sensitive to possibilities.”

He added that while the cloth was not expensive, it was made by members of the congregation and was “a labour of love” for those who made it.

Hampshire Constabulary wants anyone with information to contact PC Kelly Drodge at Hedge End police station on 101, quoting reference 44160278741.