A Roman Catholic church in Glasgow has been destroyed by fire.

Emergency services were called to St Simon's Church in Partick Bridge Street after the alarm was raised at just after half past two this morning. 

One person was rescued and given treatment at the scene as the blaze tore through the building.  Around thirty firefighters fought to control the blaze with a fireball shooting out of a window and flames extending through the roof.

Residents in neighbouring properties were evacuated and others told to keep their windows and doors shut.

A Facebook post says it is a "sad end" for St Simon's which is "a much loved parish church and spiritual home to Glasgow's Polish community."

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: "The destruction of St Simon's church by fire will be a blow to people far beyond the west end of Glasgow. Though small in size, St Simon's was well-frequented and was the spiritual home of the Polish community in the west of Scotland who had established a shrine there.

"It was also a focal point for the local community, and especially the homeless who benefited from a café on site which had to be suspended during the pandemic.

"The church of St Simon's is linked to the larger parish of St Peter's in Partick and worshippers will be accommodated there.

"The cause of the blaze is not immediately apparent, but we will work with the Fire Service as they investigate the site.

"St Simon's was a much-loved landmark at Partick Cross and its loss is a heavy blow."

St Simon's was a B listed church built in 1855. After temporary closure due to lockdown restrictions it has been operating in recent weeks with daily services and Masses for the Polish community on Sundays.