Police arrest girls, 14, on school arson

TEENAGERS SUSPECTED OF CAUSING ‘EXTENSIVE’ BLAZE DAMAGE TO PRIMARY

TWO teenage girls have been arrested after a school was torched.

The girls, both 14, were detained on suspicion of arson before being released under investigation.

Firefighters were called to reports of a blaze at Red Lane Community Primary School, on Red Lane, in Breightmet, Bolton, on Sunday afternoon.

Footage showed flames tearing through the building .

Residents were advised to close their windows and doors as thick black smoke billowed from the school.

Crews worked through the night to bring the blaze under control.

There were no reports of any inju- ries. Nobody inside the building at the time when the fire started.

Shortly before firefighters arrived, witnesses said they saw a group of youths on the roof of the building.

Greater Manchester Police said the incident is being treated as arson. Det Sgt Rob Parker, from GMP’s Bolton CID, said: “Deliberately targeting and setting fire to a school is completely reckless and I am just thankful that no one has been hurt as result of this dangerous behaviour. “Extensive damage has been caused and parts of the building are now completely unusable. “We know there were several young people around the school just before the fire started and we are keen to speak to anyone who might know who they are, or have any information about them. “The local neighbourhood team work hard to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area and the school does get passing attention as part of their patrols. “They will continue to work with the community and anyone with any concerns should approach them and they will try and help in any way they can.” Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5738 quoting incident 1119 of October 21. Reports can be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 11. Det Sgt Rob Parker