Fire chief’s warning after third arson at school

A FIRE commander has called on those responsible for the third arson attack on a disused school, to “stop and think about their actions” before someone is killed.

Crews tackled the blaze at Ebrington Primary School in the Derry’s Waterside shortly before 9pm on Monday.

One firefighter injured his arm during the incident and was taken to hospital where he received stitches.

The building was also set ablaze twice last month and another abandoned school, Foyle College on the cityside, was also torched by arsonists in July, causing extensive damage.

That building has now been condemned.

NIFRS group commander Fergal Leonard called on those behind the fires to think about the consequences.

He said: “These people that are setting these deliberate fires are putting themselves, the citizens who live around there and our firefighters at risk.

“They need to stop what they are doing. They need to think about the consequences. If we are attending a fire that has been started deliberately, it is taking us away from someone who is suffering in a house fire or a road traffic collision.

“Last night one of our officers was injured. He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and received stitches to his arm.

“Thankfully he was able to return to his post.”

ATTACKS Derry building