A youth has been charged over a deliberately lit fire which caused $200,000 damage to an East Devonport church.

The youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was charged with arson and will appear before a Youth Justice Court at a later date.

A second youth has been interviewed and will be diverted through the Youth Justice Diversion Court.

Investigations are currently being conducted in relation to a third youth.

Detective Acting Inspector Anthea Maingay said that Tasmania Fire Service crews prevented the fire from spreading to the main part of the church.

“Excellent work by fire crews meant they were able to save the historic church by containing the fire to a small room and the roof space,” Detective Acting Inspector Maingay said.

Police are calling for anyone with dash cam footage, videos or photographs of any suspicious activity around the church at the time of the fire to forward them to police.

Anyone with information should contact Devonport CIB on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au