Norfolk: Boy arrested after Walsingham Village Hall fire

Officers were called to Wells Road, Walsingham, on Monday (January 30) shortly before 4.30pm after a fire broke out in the Village Hall. 

A 13-year-old boy was arrested today (February 2) on suspicion of arson and taken to King’s Lynn Police Station for questioning. 

A young boy has been arrested following a fire at Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Denise Bradley)

A young boy has been arrested following a fire at Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Newsquest)

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue. 

READ MORE: 'I had a tear in my eye' - Walsingham devastated by loss of village hall in fire

John Williamson, whose living room looks out over the village hall, was one of the first to spot the fire. 

The 77-year-old, who was born in the village, believes the loss of the village hall is "devastating" for the local community. 

An aerial ladder platform was used by Norfolk fire crews to tackle the Walsingham blaze (Image: Michael Walsh)

Smoke billowed into the sky as the fire ripped through Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Michael Walsh)

The roof collapsed following the fire (Image: St Mary & All Saints Church with Walsingham & Barsham Benefice)

"It took years for the village to fundraise the money to build it,” he said. 

"The place was really well used and was busy every day offering hot meals and drinks. 

"It is devastating and it will really affect the village. It was the community hub."