Southwark Cathedral has filed an application through the insurance and claims service of the Metropolitan Police after parts of its structure were damaged during an operation.
A report by
The Times said the cathedral is seeking not more than £10,000 to cover the cost of repairs for portions of the property, including a churchyard gate which dates back to the late 19th century. The damage allegedly stemmed from a special forces operation following the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market last June.
“All have been repaired except the sacristy door,” said a spokesperson for Southwark Cathedral, as quoted by the report. “This has been temporarily repaired while we await advice from the cathedral architect and specialist carpenters as to the best way to effect a permanent repair.”
According to the report, the damaged building has been a place of worship since 1106 and a cathedral since 1905. It said a unit of the Special Air Service (SAS) was sent to the area to assist in determining whether there were other terrorists aside from the attackers already killed by the police.
“We can confirm that we have received correspondence regarding damage caused during a fast-moving operation following the terrorist attack in the London Bridge and Borough Market area last summer,” a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police was quoted as saying.
The force refused to comment on the military’s involvement.
Related stories:
Huge surge in interest in terrorism insurance among public sector
Terrorism coverage might not be extending as far as you think
