POLICE are investigating whether derelict buildings in Northumberland were the latest targets in a series of arson attacks on former schools.
Fire crews were called on Sunday night to the site of the closed Newsham First School in Blyth, Northumberland, responding to several 999 calls.
The school was well alight when officers from West Hartford Fire Station arrived at around 8.40pm. It took crews over three hours to bring the blaze under control as flames swept through the main hall and nursery building.
Fire investigators and police were still on site yesterday trying to establish whether the school was targeted deliberately.
Daylight revealed the extent of the damage to the buildings, which may now have to be demolished. One witness described the scene as “an inferno” as flames shot from the roof and shattered windows.
The latest fire follows other arson attacks on derelict school buildings in Northumberland.
Newsham councillor Deirdre Campbell last night said: “Residents have been complaining of a rise in vandalism in the area over the last six months, although the school has not been a target before as far as I know.
“It beggars belief that someone would do this. A lot of money has been spent on the building and I am sure it could have been made use of by the community.”
