As another Cathedral burns in France, a strong suspicion of criminality. Arson attacks on churches in France increased by 30% in 2024

A fire broke out during the night of Tuesday, June 10th to Wednesday, June 11th, in a scaffolding at Laval Cathedral. According to initial investigations, there is little doubt that the fire was "intentional."

A fire broke out at Laval Cathedral on the night of Tuesday, June 10th, to Wednesday, June 11th, around 5 a.m. It was quickly extinguished by the Laval firefighters. A passerby alerted the emergency services. An investigation is underway, and the prosecutor's office believes the fire was caused by intentional means.

A fire quickly extinguished by the Laval firefighters broke out at Laval Cathedral on the night of Tuesday, June 10th, to Wednesday, June 11th, around 5 a.m. This information comes from our colleagues at Ouest-France, confirmed by the Diocese of Laval to ICI Mayenne. "Findings have been made that support the belief that this fire was caused by intentional means," Laval Public Prosecutor Anne-Lyse Jarthon told ICI Mayenne.

A passerby alerted the emergency services and the police at this very early hour. The fire started at scaffolding on the left side of the cathedral, according to the Diocese of Laval, "behind cladding installed for construction work," the Laval prosecutor's office added. The fire started at a fire station access point on the left side. There was no major damage to the building.

Investigation opened

The Bishop of Laval, Monsignor Mathieu Dupont, visited the site this Wednesday morning to assess the damage. The Laval prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into willful damage by fire, which has been entrusted to the departmental directorate of the National Police. Investigations are ongoing. "Anyone who witnessed suspicious acts or has useful information is invited to contact the state police services," the Diocese of Laval added in a press release. The cathedral has been undergoing renovations to the exterior of the building since last March. This renovation project will last two years.

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