Firefighters tackled a substantial blaze at St Andrew’s Church in central Leicester in the early hours, as thick smoke drifted across large parts of the city and images shared online showed significant damage to the roof.
Incident and response
Emergency services were called to the church at the junction of Jarrom Street and Gateway Street after a fire believed to have begun at about 1am. Multiple fire engines and police vehicles attended and crews used a turntable ladder to direct water onto the building from above.
"There is an incident on Jarrom Street... sending smoke over the city"
The comment above was issued by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service; residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed while operations continued.
Visible damage and public reaction
Video and still images circulated on social media showed smoke pouring from the church's north transept and later pictures suggested part of the roof had been destroyed. One user on Reddit described smelling smoke from across the city centre; others reported a strong odour, with some referring to the smell of burning plastic.
- Location: St Andrew’s Church, Jarrom Street / Gateway Street, Leicester city centre
- Approximate start time: 1am (reported)
- Impact visible: Heavy smoke, roof damage visible in later footage
Heritage context
The church was designed in the 1860s by Sir George Gilbert Scott, a prolific Victorian architect responsible for numerous churches and other landmark buildings across Britain. The scale of the blaze and the degree of damage to the historic fabric are not yet fully known.
| Aspect | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Fire service presence | Multiple fire engines; turntable ladder deployed |
| Public safety advice | Keep doors and windows closed |
| Community impact | Smoke and odour reported across city centre |
What we know and what we do not
At the time of writing, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service had confirmed an incident on Jarrom Street but had not released a cause for the fire. The extent of structural damage and any potential injuries have not been detailed in official updates. GB News and other outlets posted early footage online; further information is expected when the fire service issues a full statement.
Local people living or working near the city centre are advised to follow official updates from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and the police, and to keep windows and doors closed until authorities say the area is clear.
