Four boys arrested on suspicion of arson following fire at Devonshire Primary Academy

Three boys aged 13, 14 and 15, from Blackpool and a 12-year-old boy from Thornton-Cleveleys have been arrested following the fire at Devonshire Primary Academy yesterday evening (September 1). Pic: Marcin Jamorski

Emergency services were called at around 6.50pm last night (Tuesday, September 1) to reports of a fire at Devonshire Academy Primary in Devonshire Road.

Police attended and found damage had been caused to outdoor play equipment on a balcony on the first floor of the building.

But the swift response of Fylde coast fire crews prevented it from spreading to the main building.

Black smoke could be seen billowing into the air from the burning school in Devonshire Road, Blackpool yesterday evening (September 1). Pic credit: Marcin Jamorski

Three boys aged 13, 14 and 15, from Blackpool and a 12-year-old boy from Thornton-Cleveleys remain in police custody today.

An investigation is now ongoing into the exact cause of the fire but at this time police are treating the incident as suspicious.

Blackpool headteacher speaks out after suspected arson attack on school

A police spokesman said: "Four people have since been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage – arson not endangering life.

"They are three boys aged 13, 14 and 15 and from Blackpool and a 12-year-old boy from Thornton-Cleveleys. They all remain in custody today."

Insp Dave Wilson, of the Blackpool Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “The fire was started just as the school was due to reopen and we know there will be a lot of local children now wondering when they will be able to get back to their education.

"We have made four arrests as part of our investigation, but our enquiries are very much ongoing and we are urging anybody with information about it to get in touch.

"Perhaps you were in the area at around the same time and saw something suspicious, or perhaps you think you know who is responsible. Whatever information you have, we would urge you to let us know.

"We appreciate there have been several incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area recently and we would like to reassure residents that they will continue to see an increased police presence. Anybody with concerns is welcome to speak to an officer.

"We would also ask all parents of young people to please make sure they know what their children are doing in the evenings."

Anyone with information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 1311 of September 1.