Police investigate arson after fire destroys Devon school building

A FIRE that broke out at a school in Devon is being treated as arson.

The blaze took hold last Friday night, with crews from Totnes, Paignton and Torquay fire stations being called to King Edward VI Community College, Totnes.

Upon arrival, the firefighters found that a mobile wooden classroom on the Elmhirst site was “well alight”.

The classroom was being used as a changing room and a PE office by the college. On the night, the area was cornered off by police and eight appliances were fighting to put out the fire from all sides.

After further investigations, police have now recorded the fire as being arson.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police stated: “The fire at the KEVICC’s site has been recorded as arson. [Crime reference number] CR/005598/21 relates to the investigation, which is held by our local investigation officers.

“Officers from patrol and the local neighbourhood team attended the scene on the evening and liaised with DSFRS [Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service]. Other partner agencies were notified but there was no wider risk to public safety or the environment.”

A spokesperson from the college said they were “deeply disappointed” at the damage caused.