Arsonists are suspected of starting a fire which ripped through a Keighley church hall early today.

Firefighters were called to Keighley Shared Church Hall at about 2.50am after police officers spotted flames rising from the roof.

The blaze spread through the roof and damaged the building in the grounds of Keighley Parish Church. No-one was injured.

Station Officer Paul Armitage, of Keighley fire station, said the police and fire service were investigating the incident.

"The roof was totally caved in," he said. "It's a substantial loss to the church. Lots of people used it, such as the scouts and brownies, and it's going to be sorely missed."

The church hall, on Market Street, is used by both the Anglican and Methodist churches.

Methodist minister, the Reverend Gordon Webb, said he was told about the blaze by the police at 2.40am.

"It's severely damaged about half of the roof and it's mainly water damage downstairs," he said. "The fire brigade had to break through the ceiling to get to the roof and there's damage to the wooden door. It wouldn't be sensible to go in.

"It appears to have been started deliberately. The police found a chair and wooden pallet against the door. It's very upsetting and will be for the people, but we have been subject to other acts of mindless vandalism. It's a shock but not a surprise.

"We've had quite a lot of attempted break-ins. Unfortunately, the grave yard is out of sight of the road and it's a place where people gather for all sorts of purposes.

"The main structure of the building is in good shape and it will now be a matter for insurance."

The hall, opened in 1982, was used by a range of groups, from uniformed organisations to over 50s coffee mornings and Sunday School.

Rev Webb said: "They're going to be particularly upset about it, particularly as they keep it in a very nice condition as a welcoming place. We will probably be able to make provisions for some of the activities, but it's going to restrict what we are going to be able to do."