Anger at Hopkins’ ‘disgusting’ tweet over school fire

KATIE Hopkins has been labelled “a disgusting piece of work” following comments she made about the fire at Harrington Junior School.

The controversial broadcaster and former Apprentice contestant sparked outrage when using a video of Thursday’s fire on Twitter when remarking about the reopening of schools next week.

Hopkins posted: “Boris: British schools can go back next week. Teachers’ unions: [video] (#longeaton junior school: 4pm).”

She attached a video of the school engulfed in flames, insinuating the fire was a response to the calls for schools to reopen. Fire chiefs have ruled the blaze was accidental.

But Hopkins’ comments did not go unnoticed and were soon met with a fierce backlash from the Long Eaton public and councillors.

Councillor James Dawson, who represents Awsworth Road for Erewash Borough Council, also commented: “This is a school in my borough, much loved by pupils and the community alike. The fire and rescue service have been phenomenal – please take your hate and ill-judged tweet elsewhere.”

Councillor Michael Payne, who is deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council and chairman of the Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire Authority, responded to Hopkins’ tweet with the following: “You disgusting piece of work. You’re not fit to hold a candle to our colleagues in Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service who responded to this awful fire.”

Others were also quick to condemn the tweet. Peter wrote: “How dare you use this heartbreaking fire for your own political means.”