Three schoolboys charged after fire causes 'extensive damage' to Wishaw church hall

Three schoolboys have been charged in connection with a fire that caused “extensive damage” to a church hall in Wishaw.

Emergency services were called to the Loyola Centre on Campbell Street around 10.05pm on June 28 following reports of the blaze.

The fire was extinguished and no one was injured as a result.

A 12-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

In a statement shared on social media, the hall’s operators said they could be closed for up to a year due to the extent of the damage.

They said: “It will not come as surprise that I need to inform you that the Loyola Centre will be closed for quite some time.

“This isn’t boredom, this is pure vandalism and they know what they were doing. The parishioners saved up for a long time and it cost them a lot of money to get the hall refurbished and have an extension built six years ago.

“I would like to thank the parishioners and the wider community of Wishaw who have used our centre over the past two years for your amazing support in that time.

“I would also like to thank the whole of the Wishaw community and beyond who have reached out today, it genuinely is heart warming the support that has been given and what the centre means to so many people. We might be down but we will fight to return for you all to enjoy coming to our amazing centre once again.”

The Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Toal, added: “It has been a shock to hear of the fire at the Loyola Centre, Wishaw.

“Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Fr Kevin Lawrie, recently appointed PP, and the parishioners of St Ignatius’ on the extensive damage caused. It is a cruel blow, particularly as the Centre had been renovated and enlarged in recent years.

“With our prayerful support for all at St Ignatius and in the Wishaw Community who used the hall.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that three male youths have been arrested and charged in connection and a report will be sent to the relevant authority