Blackpool headteacher speaks out after suspected arson attack on school

An arson investigation is taking place at Devonshire Primary Academy today after a blaze broke out on the roof of a first floor balcony yesterday evening.

Fire crews rushed to the school in Devonshire Road at 6.45pm and managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the main building.

The cause of the fire was quickly deemed to be suspicious after firefighters found the charred remains of outdoor play furniture which had been set alight.

Shortly after the fire, Lancashire Police arrested three suspects, with a fourth suspect still wanted as of this morning. The force has not confirmed the age of the suspects at this stage.

Daniel Simm, who was appointed headteacher of Devonshire Primary Academy in January, said the school has not suffered any structural damage in the fire.

In a statement to parents this morning, he said that the school is doing "everything we can" to ensure that it is safe to welcome pupils back for the start of the autumn term tomorrow (Thursday, September 3).

Mr Simm said: "We are hugely disappointed to report that a fire appears to have been deliberately started on our of our decks.

"The fire is now under control. We are fortunate that, on this occasion, the fire has not caused any structural damage.

"I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to ensure that the school can still open to all pupils on Thursday.

"We are continuing to work closely with the police and the fire investigation team."

History of arson at Devonshire Road Primary School

In 2003, Devonshire Road Primary School had to be completely rebuilt after it was set on fire during the summer holidays.

Two brothers, aged 10 and 12, pleaded guilty to torching the listed Victorian school buildings and causing £7m worth of damage. An 11-year-old accomplice also admitted burglary at the school. All three were issued with referral orders in February 2004.

More than 50 firefighters tackled the fire which destroyed two halls, a new library and nine classrooms. The school had only just re-opened after being refurbished following a flood.

It led to more than 400 pupils being re-located to the Boundary School two miles away, a move that cost more than £300,000.

The court was told that it would cost £7m to restore the school back to its original Victorian state. But an alternative plan was put forward to demolish the school and re-build it at a similar cost.