A group of local parishioners have been praised for extinguishing a fire at Malmesbury Abbey.

The fire is thought to have started at around 9.30pm on Friday, 3rd June.

After the blaze broke out, people were seen running towards the fire with extinguishers, as others called the fire service.

Locals have described the blaze as potentially "catastrophic", thanking brave do-gooders for tackling the fire until crews were able to arrive more than ten minutes later. 

Those living nearby have described seeing a large group gathering near the 12th Century building, setting fire to the bins.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "As far as we know it was three bins set alight. Enquiries currently ongoing, but believed to have been started deliberately at approximately 9.30pm."

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "One crew from Chippenham were called to fire in a bin outside the chapel in Gloucester Street, Malmesbury at 9.12pm last night. The crew used one hose reel to extinguish the fire and Wiltshire Police also attended. The stop message was received at 11pm."

The Abbey held a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Queen's jubilee earlier that day.