Fire has destroyed the hall of the Anglican church at Dulwich Hill in Sydney.

The hall, built in 1886, is across the road from Holy Trinity church and had been used since 1994 as a gymnasium and youth club.

It originally served as the church building, before the present church was constructed during the First World War.

Fire broke out in the building early on Sunday morning, 21st April, and the roof was well alight when fire brigades arrived. TV news broadcasts showed firefighters battling intense flames and falling power lines.

No-one was injured, although numerous local residents reported the blaze and the street was blocked off as the building was being made safe.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and forensic evidence is being collected.