A man has been taken into custody following a destructive fire at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer, France, early on September 2.
The blaze, which began around 4 a.m., caused the church’s bell tower to collapse.
The suspect, identified as Joël Vigoureux, 39, was arrested later that day. Authorities described him as “known for similar acts” of destruction in the past, with a criminal record that includes multiple arson attempts at places of worship. The prosecutor’s office said that traces of forced entry, including a broken stained-glass window, were found at the scene.
More than 120 firefighters worked to contain the flames, which were brought under control by 7:15 a.m. Despite the extensive damage to the church, no injuries were reported, and over 50 nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.
Parish priest Father Sébastien Roussel was able to enter the burning church to rescue the Blessed Sacrament and several relics, including the reliquary bust of St. Corneille. “I wanted to evacuate the Blessed Sacrament,” he said after successfully doing so.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in 1859 and restored in 2018, holds historical significance for the local community. “I entrust all residents of Saint-Omer, firefighters, and professionals working to ensure the safety of people and places to the Virgin Mary,” said Bishop Leborgne of Arras.
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