Arson Attack at St Michan's Church Destroys Historic Mummified Remains
General News
Tuesday 11th, June 2024
Update 12th June 2024 @ 10:00: A man has been charged in relation to the investigation into a fire which was lit in the crypt at St Michan's Church of Ireland in Dublin.
Update 11th June 2024 @ 22:30: A man has been arrested, and he is currently being detained at a Dublin garda station.
A devastating arson attack at St Michan's Church of Ireland has led to the destruction of five mummified remains, causing irreparable damage to the historic crypt. The incident occurred shortly after 4pm when a man gained entry to the crypt and ignited a fire.
The Archdeacon of Dublin & Vicar of St Michan's Church, David Pierpoint reported that efforts to extinguish the blaze before it could fully take hold unfortunately resulted in the destruction of the mummified remains. "Five mummified remains were destroyed during the efforts to put the blaze out before it took hold", he stated.
Emergency services quickly sealed off the scene, and a team from the Garda Technical Bureau is currently carrying out a forensic examination. The scene remains cordoned off to allow for a thorough investigation.
In addition to the damage caused by the fire, it is estimated that there is approximately one foot (30 cm) of water in the crypt. This water could hinder the forensic examination and complicate efforts to assess the full extent of the damage.
St Michan's Church is renowned for its ancient crypt, which housed these historic mummified remains. The loss is significant for both the church and the wider community, who value the cultural and historical importance of these artefacts.
Authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues. The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time.
Update 11th June 2024 @ 22:30: A man has been arrested, and he is currently being detained at a Dublin garda station.
A devastating arson attack at St Michan's Church of Ireland has led to the destruction of five mummified remains, causing irreparable damage to the historic crypt. The incident occurred shortly after 4pm when a man gained entry to the crypt and ignited a fire.
The Archdeacon of Dublin & Vicar of St Michan's Church, David Pierpoint reported that efforts to extinguish the blaze before it could fully take hold unfortunately resulted in the destruction of the mummified remains. "Five mummified remains were destroyed during the efforts to put the blaze out before it took hold", he stated.
Emergency services quickly sealed off the scene, and a team from the Garda Technical Bureau is currently carrying out a forensic examination. The scene remains cordoned off to allow for a thorough investigation.
In addition to the damage caused by the fire, it is estimated that there is approximately one foot (30 cm) of water in the crypt. This water could hinder the forensic examination and complicate efforts to assess the full extent of the damage.
St Michan's Church is renowned for its ancient crypt, which housed these historic mummified remains. The loss is significant for both the church and the wider community, who value the cultural and historical importance of these artefacts.
Authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues. The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time.
