WORSHIPPERS at a church in Chiswick have told of their shock after it was hit by two suspected arson attacks in as many days.
Burning rubbish bags were found by the walls of Christ Church, in Town Hall Avenue, Turnham, Green, on the mornings of Sunday April 26 and Monday April 27.
Staff were able to extinguish the flames before either fire caused any significant damage but police have warned the incidents could have been much more serious.
Church administrator Jill Spencer said the community had been badly shaken by the scare. "The worst thing is the uncertainty about who's done this and what the motive might be," she said.
"It could just be someone burning rubbish outside to stay warm but we simply don't know. The bags were still smouldering when we got there and if we hadn't arrived when we did it could have been much more serious.
"We're being extremely vigilant and all the dog walkers are out on patrol."
Ms Spencer added that there had been a similar incident about three years ago when burning bags were discovered by the chance but they never found out who was responsible.
The burning bags were discovered at about 8.45am on the Sunday and about 9.30am the following morning.
Sergeant Ben Clark, of Turnham Green Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said: "It is only through luck and the vigilance of staff that serious damage or even injury was not caused.
"These incidents happened in broad daylight when many people would have been walking past, either using Turnham Green itself or on their morning commute.
"I would ask that anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously outside the church on either morning to contact us."
He added that the fires were being treated as suspicious but there was not believed to be any motive behind them: "It could simply be someone setting fire to the remains of their barbecue but the fact the bags were moved makes it at the least very reckless."
Anyone with information is asked to call Chiswick police station on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
