A major fire has severely damaged the historic St Andrew's Church on Jarrom Street in Leicester. The blaze broke out around 11:17 p.
m. on July 28, 2026, sending thick smoke plumes across the city.
>>> Circus Acts and Theatrical Performers Return to Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Emergency services rushed to the scene at the corner of Jarrom Street and Gateway Street, near the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Eight fire engines and high-reach aerial ladder platforms fought the flames throughout the night.
Police secured the area and closed nearby roads.
Fire crews worked with Cadent and Western Power to isolate gas and electricity supplies to the Grade II-listed building.
The church was designed in the 1860s by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and has served the community for over 150 years.
>>> Burnham Invites Opposition Leaders for Cross-Party Social Care Talks
By Wednesday morning, July 29, the response was scaled back, though an aerial platform remained deployed.
Photos from the scene showed a large portion of the roof destroyed with charred timbers exposed. However, the church spire and rose window appeared largely intact.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Control advised residents to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
Officials later confirmed that all persons were accounted for and no injuries were reported. The official cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
>>> Zeekr 9X Arrives in Europe as 897 HP Luxury SUV Targeting BMW X7
Jarrom Street remains closed to traffic with local diversions in place as emergency crews continue monitoring the site.
