Several suspects apprehended over arson of Porvoo Cathedral

Restoration work to begin almost immediately

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The police have apprehended several people in connection with the Porvoo Cathedral fire. The individuals suspected of complicity in arson have been through preliminary interrogation.
      According to Chief Inspector Bengt Renlund, the apprehended individuals are suspected of aggravated sabotage. For now, the police are refraining from revealing the exact number of the suspects.
      "More than one person has been apprehended. They have all been heard briefly, and the questioning will continue this morning. They are suspected of setting the Porvoo Cathedral fire", Renlund told the news agency STT.
      Renlund does not reveal how the suspects were caught. He says the police will release more information on the subject later today.
     
After yesterday's blaze, all that remains upright of the upper part of the hilltop structure , which for centuries has dominated the Porvoo cityscape, are its blackened gable walls.
      The interior of the church, on the other hand, survived the flames largely unharmed, thanks to the structure's thick vaulting and the fact that the fire department used foam instead of water to minimise water damage.
      The heavy chandeliers fell down, but the condition of the centuries-old frescoes on the ceiling and the walls will only become evident on Tuesday, or a few days after that.
      In any case, the overall cost of the damage is in the millions of euros, reports properties manager Boris Björkendahl from the Parish Union of Porvoo. Restoration work will begin on the building almost immediately, as soon as permission is received from the police.
     
The church was not equipped with close circuit surveillance equipment. The Parish Union did not think surveillance cameras were necessary, because in addition to regular services the church has been in constant use for weddings, christenings, and funerals.
      The church is also a popular tourist attraction on a national scale.
      On Monday, the police were contacted by numerous members of the public. The initial technical investigations into the cause of the blaze were also carried out the same day.
     
The Eastern Uusimaa Rescue Department was alerted of the fire by a taxi driver at 2:09 am. By the time the fire trucks reached the scene the roof of the church was already ablaze along its entire length. "Nothing could be done to save the roof structures", fire chief Jorma Kuikka commented yesterday.
      "We allowed the roof to burn and minimised the use of water in order to avoid water damage. Instead, we concentrated on protecting the bell tower and the nearby wooden buildings", Kuikka described.
      In all, around 80 firemen took part in extinguishing the flames.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  BREAKING NEWS: Major fire severely damages Porvoo Cathedral (29.5.2006)

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  Porvoo Cathedral

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