Firefighters in Leicester responded to a major fire at St Andrew’s Church late Tuesday night, rescuing a coffin prepared for a funeral scheduled the following day. The fire, which began at approximately 11:17 p.m., caused significant damage to the 160-year-old church, including severe destruction to its roof.

St Andrew’s Church, located south of Leicester city center near De Montfort University and the city’s Royal Infirmary, was engulfed in flames overnight as crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service worked to contain the blaze. Firefighters employed aerial ladder and turntable ladder platforms throughout the night to manage the large fire. Despite the intense smoke that spread across the city, there were no reported casualties. Authorities confirmed that all individuals were accounted for.

One of the critical interventions by firefighters involved entering the church to recover a coffin under the high altar. The coffin contained the body of a church warden whose funeral had been planned for Wednesday morning. The retrieval was carried out using breathing apparatus for safety, and the coffin was moved to a secure location. Following the fire, the Diocese of Leicester announced that the funeral service would be relocated and expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire service officials highlighted that ongoing heatwave conditions might have contributed to the rapid ignition and spread of the flames. A fire investigation was conducted at the scene, with the case referred to Leicestershire Police for further examination. Fire crews planned to return later Wednesday to inspect the site for any remaining hot spots.

Residents near the church were advised to keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke inhalation. Local community members expressed deep sorrow over the incident, recognizing St Andrew’s as a longstanding and cherished fixture of the area. Several described the damage as devastating and hoped for the building’s preservation or restoration.

St Andrew’s Church was designed in the 1860s by the renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, whose notable projects include the Midland Hotel at St Pancras, the Albert Memorial, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. The church’s historical and architectural significance adds to concerns about the impact of the fire.