Classroom gutted after arson attack

FIREFIGHTERS put up a cordon around a disused former school building in Torquay on Saturday as fire broke out and clouds of black smoke billowed into the air.

The fire was started deliberately, according to the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Smoke could be seen from across Torbay as fire took hold in the old Cockington School in Old Mill Road.

There were fears that the building could have contained asbestos.

The fire was concentrated in a derelict temporary classroom on the fenced-off site of the old school.

Witness Richard Hughes, who lives nearby in Chelston, said: “We first saw the smoke from our window the other side of Pretty Park and when we went to look there were massive flames.” The burnt-out classroom

Right: Flames take hold in a prefabricated classroom at Cockington School

“It was quite a sight but the fire service were there quickly and the smoke turned from black to white.”

Fire officials said later no asbestos had been found on the site of the former school building.

Initially businesses in the area were closed and people told to stay inside their buildings.

Both Old Mill Road and Sherwell Lane were cordoned off. Firefighters managed to contain the fire so that it did not spread to the main school building or other properties. No injuries were reported. Incident commander Lee Rushbrook said: “Initially when I arrived on the scene I was made aware there was potentially asbestos in the outbuildings behind the old school.

“Because of that we erred on the side of caution and asked for the police to ensure the surrounding premises had their windows shut and asked them to put a large cordon around the area.

“During the incident the hazmat officer determined that there was no asbestos involved and we have now reduced the size of the cordon.

“One of the outbuildings is 100% destroyed by fire.

“The adjoining building is 100% smoke damaged and 50% water damaged, and another we have prevented the fire from spreading to.”

Eyewitness Lauren White, from Polished beauty salon said: “They have done a great job and stopped it from spreading to other premises.”

At the height of the blaze, eyewitnesses reported seeing a huge cloud of thick white smoke which could be seen from miles away.

Two fire engines from Torquay and two from Paignton attended the scene.

The building was used as a school more than 30 years ago.

It had since been used by Shekinah, the homeless charity, but is currently thought to have been empty.

Picture: ANDY STYLES