Appeal after blaze at old comprehensive

POLICE are appealing for information following a fire at a former secondary school in the Cynon Valley – and warned of the dangers of entering empty buildings.

South Wales Police were called to the old Blaengwawr Comprehensive School site in Club Street, Aberaman, at around 12.25am on Friday, October 28, after a fire was deliberately set.

Security guards patrolling the site discovered smoke coming from the hall area of the old school, which is currently up for sale by Rhondda Cynon Taf council following its closure to make way for the state-of-the-art Aberdare Community School .

The school buildings were last used by pupils in May 2015.

Police say two men entered the building and then fled the scene, leaving behind a fire which they had lit.

The men are described as white and in their mid-twenties. Both were wearing hooded tops, one of which featured the Nike logo in silver.

Sergeant Tim Jones said: “We would like to remind the public that disused buildings are closed off to the public for a very good reason.

“They can present a number of hazards and while some might see them as a place to explore or escape from the cold weather, we cannot stress enough how dangerous they can be.”

A police statement, referring to the arson attack, added: “Anyone with information regarding the fire should contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 1600415991.”