More than 30 firefighters battled a large fire at a popular church in Glasgow.
Fire services were called to St Simon Church in Partick Bridge Street after the alarm was raised at 02:40 this morning.
Nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed, and adjacent properties were evacuated as a precaution.
One person was assisted from the building and given precautionary treatment at the scene by ambulance services.
Pictures and videos posted on social media showed flames and smoke billowing from the church.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said six fire appliances had been dispatched, and crews were expected to remain at the church for some time.
Photos of the church taken at first light appear to show significant fire damage to a roof and a large window.
According to Scotland’s Churches Trust, the building was first built in 1858 and extensively refurbished in 2008.
Whilst the church in recent time has been very popular with the Polish community in the Scottish City.
Worshipper Ivi told Global247news this morning ” Many Poles have been using this church for years; it is devastating especially to the large Polish community here in Glasgow.
“It looks like it will take years to repair; I went along last night to see if I could assist in any way; I returned this morning, and to see the damage in daylight is heartbreaking.”