In Nantes, they are investigating the cause of the fire; the detained have been released

Nantes – In the western French city of Nantes, an investigation continues into Saturday's fire at the local cathedral, which significantly damaged the interior of this Gothic monument. According to the AFP agency, police experts are trying to determine the cause of the fire on site. A thirty-nine-year-old man, who was taken into custody by investigators, was released this evening.

The detainee was a refugee from Rwanda who works as a volunteer for the local diocese. Prosecutor Pierre Sennes stated that the man was responsible for locking the cathedral on Friday evening and that investigators wanted to "clarify certain elements of his schedule."

The man was released without charges being filed, confirmed the prosecutor. He had previously warned that it is premature to connect the detainee with the commission of the act.

The fire is being investigated as a possible arson attack. Flames appeared inside the cathedral on Saturday shortly before eight in the morning. Firefighters brought them under control during the afternoon and fully extinguished them by evening. However, they could not prevent significant damage to the large organ, and the original stained glass windows from the 16th century were shattered due to the heat.

According to initial findings from investigators, the fire spread through the cathedral from three different locations. At the same time, police found no signs of a break-in at the entrances. The local priest insists that on Friday evening "everything was in order" and that a "very thorough inspection" is always conducted before the cathedral is closed.

Since Saturday afternoon, specialists from the police laboratories have been trying to clarify the cause of the fire at the site. A large area cordoned off by police tape surrounds the cathedral, describes AFP.

The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in the heart of Nantes has not been engulfed in flames for the first time. It was partially damaged by Allied bombing during World War II in 1944. A fire also occurred there as a result of roofing work on January 28, 1972, and at that time, the main stained glass windows between the two towers were damaged. The sanctuary was finally able to reopen to the faithful after 13 years of repairs in May 1985.