Authorities in Wales have launched an investigation following a fire that severely damaged a historic church over the weekend. Two Pakistani nationals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident, which took place late Friday night in a small town outside Cardiff.

Emergency services were called to the scene after smoke was seen rising from the 19th-century church building. Fire crews managed to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby structures, but significant damage was reported to the church’s interior and altar area. No injuries were reported.

South Wales Police confirmed that two men, both in their early twenties, are being held on suspicion of arson. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities said the motive behind the fire remains under investigation.

“At this stage, we are treating this as an isolated incident,” a spokesperson for the police said on Sunday. “We understand public concern, and we are asking for patience as we carry out a thorough investigation. There is no current evidence of a wider threat.”

The incident has already sparked debate on social media, with some commentators linking the case to broader concerns about religiously motivated violence and the safety of Christian and Jewish communities in Europe. Officials, however, have urged the public not to jump to conclusions until more facts are known.

Faith leaders across the UK have called for calm and unity. The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, issued a statement condemning the attack but also emphasizing the importance of due process and resisting attempts to politicize the tragedy.

“This is a time for communities to come together in prayer and solidarity, not division,” the Archbishop said. “We await the results of the investigation and trust in the integrity of our justice system.”

The UK Home Office has not yet commented on the case but is expected to release a statement in the coming days, particularly if the investigation uncovers evidence suggesting a religious or hate-based motive.

The fire comes amid growing anxiety in parts of Europe over religiously motivated incidents. In recent months, officials have warned of rising tensions and the importance of protecting places of worship of all faiths.