Three teenagers have been charged after a fire broke out at a church hall in Wishaw.

999 crews were called to the Loyola Centre in the town on Friday night to a report of a blaze.

Firefighters extinguished the fire and no one was injured. 

Cops have arrested and charged three males, aged 12, 13 and 13, in connection with the alleged incident.

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They will be reported to the relevant authorities. 

The centre manager praised the emergency services for their hard work tackling the fire.

They added that the centre would be closed 'for quite some time'.

A spokesperson said: "A massive thank you to our fire service who fought the blaze, you are all heroes and things as bad as they are could've been so much worse and also to the police who attended last night and today.

"A huge thank you also to our volunteers who have given so much of their time to keep the hall running for so long until this point."

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The community centre was being used by parishioners of St Ignatius' Catholic Church and after hearing the news, the Diocese of Motherwell sent their thoughts and prayers.

It said: "It has been a shock to hear of the fire last night at the Loyola Centre, Wishaw. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Fr Kevin Lawrie, recently appointed PP, and the parishioners of St Ignatius’ on the extensive damage caused.

"It is a cruel blow, particularly as the Centre had been renovated and enlarged in recent years.

"With our prayerful support for all at St Ignatius and in the Wishaw Community who used the hall."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 10.05pm on Friday, June 28, 2024 police were made aware of a fire at a premises on Campbell Street, Wishaw.

"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire and no one was injured.

"Three male youths, aged 12, 13 and 13, have been arrested and charged in connection and a report will be sent to the relevant authority.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.