FIREFIGHTERS are battling a huge blaze engulfing a village church in the early hours of this morning.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight, with homes nearby evacuated as crews rushed to the scene.
Firefighters were called to Chapel Street in Kilburn, in Derbyshire, at around 12.24am today.
Six engines, an aerial ladder platform and support vehicle remained in attendance at the scene.
A number of properties have been evacuated as police deal with the blaze.
Chapel Street has also been closed, with cops warning motorists to avoid the area.
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There are no reported injuries so far, but those who live nearby have been advised to shut all doors and windows to keep smoke out.
Photographs from the scene show the front doors of the church burnt and hanging off.
It is believed firefighters have now left the scene.
The initial cause of the fire is currently unknown.
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Being built in 1891, the red-brick church was known locally as a “beautiful and historic building”.
It first closed in 2020, and has since been earmarked for apartments.
It is likely the building will have faced damage from the fire, but it is not clear how badly affected it currently is.
Speaking to DerbyshireLive, a local named only as Andy said: “It was like an inferno last night.
“I couldn’t see across the street with the heat and the debris that was raining down.
“It’s a miracle the homes weren’t damaged and it was just the church, though I’ve heard the chap next door isn’t allowed back in yet.”
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “Chapel Street in Kilburn, Belper is currently closed due to a church on fire.
“Houses have currently been evacuated and we will inform occupants when they can return.
“Please avoid the area and find an alternative route.”
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