UPDATE: Four teenagers have now been charged over a church fire in St Leonards on Thursday morning, after two teens handed themselves into police.
A 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy have been interviewed by investigators after the historic St Paul’s Anglican Church and its adjoining hall were destroyed in the fire around 2.15am.
They have all been charged with arson and burglary and will appear at a children’s court at a later date.
It’s believed to be the oldest building in St Leonards, and it is alleged the damage is estimated to be worth $1 million dollars.
EARLIER: Police have placed charges against two teenage boys in regards to the fire at a St Leonard’s Church on Thursday morning.
The blaze at St Paul’s Anglican Church and its adjoining hall on Dudley Parade were attended to by emergency services at 2:15am.
A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from the Bellarine area, self-presented to police on Thursday afternoon.
They have both been charged with arson, burglary, and theft.
The hall completely burned down, while the church itself was completely gutted.
CFA and FRV teams got the fire under control in about 30 minutes.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the two teenage boys to appear at the children’s court at a later date.
