Fire at Mudeford All Saints Church in Christchurch

Crowds gathered and watched in horror as the church in Mudeford went up in flames around 8pm on Thursday evening.

Around 50 firefighters were sent to battle the fire, with police closing the road and manning a cordon.

Read more: Live updates from Mudeford Church fire

Water was pumped from the quay at Mudeford as crews on the aerial ladder platform tackled the blaze.

The church, which was originally built in 1869, has suffered huge damage.

At the scene tonight, Rev Richard Partridge, associate priest at the Priory which is sister church to All Saints said: "This is absolutely devastating for the whole community but especially for all those who has faithfully worshipped there for so many years."

Felicity Porter said: "It’s just devastating for a lot of us that are from Mudeford or grew up here.

Read more: Fire service give full statement on Mudeford church fire

"My grandparents helped build the wall at the back and helped to fundraise to get it built.

"We had my grandad’s funeral there, my parents were married there, I was christened there and my son was due to get christened there at the end of September.

"It’s just devastating to see it go up, but we’re going to get it rebuilt and we’re going to fundraise for it.

"The local community are going to do everything they can to get it back up.”

Reverend Helen Griffiths, who was a priest at the church for 11 years told the Daily Echo: “It's totally devastating, you can’t imagine what’s going on in people's minds.

"This is the hub of Mudeford and to see it in flames like this is really devastating."

Lots of Mudeford residents watched the church burn with tears in their eyes.

One lady said: “I know it’s just bricks and mortar but it’s memories burning too.”

Ward councillor Gill Jarvis said: "I saw it on Facebook and shot down here because it’s my ward and I saw this horrific site.

"It’s awful to see. I think the sun glazing in the window may have started the fire. It’s been so hot today."