Ex-school blaze was suspected arson

A fire which tore through a former Sunderland school building is being investigated as a suspected arson attack.

Northumbria Police confirmed officers are treating the blaze at the old Simpson Street School – which was protected as a Grade II-listed building in 1994 – as malicious.

Emergency Services were called to the incident at around 6pm on Tuesday, January 28, after reports the Deptford site was spotted alight.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent five crews from its Sunderland Central, Marley Park and Gateshead stations to the scene, with the officers using four jets, an aerial ladder platform and thermal imaging cameras to bring the incident under control.

Following the blaze, which left the roof of the

Gothic-style building wrecked, Sunderland City Council said it was hopeful it would be able to save a deal to sell the site with a view to regenerating the area.

Assessments of the damage were due to take place in the days after the fire and while checks continue, Northumbria Police hope anyone with information about the fire will come forward.

Its appeal follows on from confirmation from fire fighters they believedthe fire was started deliberately.

A force spokesperson said: “Police are treating the cause of the blaze as suspected arson.

“No arrests have been made, and anyone with info is asked to call 101 quoting reference 922280120.”

The school closed in July 1961.

It has been used to host artists’ workshops.