A fire has badly damaged a church in Columbus, Ohio, after flames engulfed its chapel in the early hours of Monday morning.

Around 50 firefighters were called to Cherry Creek Church of Christ on Sullivant Avenue shortly before 4am on 10th August.

Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Brian Barnhart said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, although a lightning strike around midnight is being considered as a possible cause.

Investigators believe the fire may have smouldered for several hours before being discovered when flames broke through the roof. By the time firefighters arrived, the chapel was fully engulfed.

Crews brought the blaze under control within around an hour and were able to save the church's business section at the rear of the building, although it sustained smoke and water damage.

Five fire engines and three ladder trucks were involved in the response, with crews remaining at the scene to tackle any further flare-ups.

No injuries were reported.