Police have launched an investigation into a devastating fire which gutted a popular Catholic church in Glasgow.
Officers have appealed for anyone who may saw or was in the area near where the blaze broke out in St Simon's Church, Partick.
The building was engulfed in flames during the early hours of Wednesday morning and was reduced to a shell before the fire could be put out.
Officers are still unable to gain acces to the church to establish how the blaze began, and have appealed with any information to come forward.
READ MORE: Fire at St Simon's Church in Glasgow's Partick as nearby homes evacuated
Emergency services were called to the fire around 2.50am and the building was extensively damaged. A number of residents from homes in the street were evacuated and no one was injured as a result of the fire.
The fire gutted the building
Chief Inspector Natalie Carr, local area commander said: "This remains a multiagency incident and due to the fact that the building is unsafe, at this time neither Police nor Scottish Fire and Rescue officers have been able to get in to the church to establish how the fire started.
READ MORE: Watch moment the Glasgow Partick church roof collapses
"Enquiries are very much at an early stage and we cannot speculate at this time as to the cause.
"We are also working with the Archdiocese of Glasgow and Glasgow City Council with regard to the welfare of those who use the church and local residents some of whom will not be able to return to their homes until the building has been made safe."
Fire fighters at the scene this morning
She added: "We are aware this fire will be devastating to the local and indeed wider community, and along with our partners we will continue to support our communities.
"Additional officers will be in the area and I would encourage the local community to engage with these officers should they require assistance or believe they may have information to assist any of the agencies involved.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area of Partick Cross and Partick Bridge Street on Wednesday morning, particularly around 2.30am and 3.00am.
"Also, if you happened to be driving in the area, including along Dumbarton Road, at that time and have any dash cam footage, then please get in touch with police.
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0417 of Wednesday, 28 July, 2021. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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