Disused school library set alight

A DISUSED school library was engulfed by flames after being targeted for the third time.

An estimated £100,000 worth of damaged was caused to the vacant library site at Josephine Butler campus of the Northumberland Church of England Academy on Ashington’s Academy Road.

Police are now investigating the fire, and appealing for any witnesses who may be able to shed light on the cause of the blaze.

Emergency crews rushed to the site shortly before 2pm on Friday.

Detective Inspector Kelly French of Northumbria Police said: “This was the third fire in as many days at the site and it is currently being treated as malicious.

“This fire devastated the building, causing around £100,000 of damage and the building is likely beyond repair and will need to be pulled down.”

She added: “We are currently conducting a number of enquiries and reviewing CCTV.

“We urge anyone who may know anything about the fire to come forward – either speaking directly to police or through Crimestoppers.”

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or has any information which may help officers is asked to contact police using reference number 557 10/07/20 or by emailing the leading officer on 1085@ northumbria.police.pnn.uk.

Alternatively you can report via he independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111