Churches in Suffolk were on high alert last night after vandals sparked a blaze by torching a pile of bibles, it has been claimed.

St Mary’s Church in Westry, near March in Cambridgeshire, was completely gutted by the fire, which has been described as ‘suspicious’.

Jan French, of Fenland District Council, said she had heard reports that vandals started the incident.

“I understand it started when a pile of Bibles and prayer books was set alight,’’ said Ms French, who lives in the village.

The alarm was raised at 10.15am yesterday morning when the caretaker was on his way in and was stopped by a passer-by who saw smoke coming out of the building.

Only the external brickwork remains and the 130-year-old church is now structurally unsound.

Seven crews tackled the blaze, which is now being investigated.

Ms French added: “It was a beautiful church. It is devastating.

“I’m appalled that anyone would do this to any building, let alone a church.’’