Two boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire that left part of a primary school in Brighton badly damaged.
Emergency services were called to Carden Primary School in County Oak Avenue at 7.13pm on Monday (August 7) to reports of a fire in the grounds.
No injuries have been reported.
Late last night, officers said they were working with the fire service to investigate the cause of the fire.
Police added that it is believed to have been started deliberately.
Two boys, aged 13 and 15, were taken into custody.
According to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, crews were using an aerial ladder platform to extinguish the burning.
They reported scaling back their operations, and damping down, by 8.30pm.
Alistair McNair, chair of the governors of Carden Primary School, expressed gratitude to the emergency services and public who responded to the flames:
"Thank you to residents for reporting and speaking to the police and fire services.
"And thank you to the fire and police services for acting so quickly."
As recently as July 18th, the school's staff had shared concerns about intruders, writing in social media:
"Unfortunately we have been being visited by some older children out of school hours.
"We have had some resources damaged already and as we go into the summer holidays it increases our concern of children coming in here to play and breaking things or accidently hurting themselves."
Launching a witness appeal, Sussex Police said many people were believed to have been in the area at the time.
Officers hoped to hear from anyone who was nearby, or who might have witnessed suspicious behaviour.
They would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have captured any relevant CCTV, doorbell, or dash cam footage from the surrounding roads.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 1271 of 07/08.
Mr. McNair, through social media, shared this image of last night's damage.
Carden Primary School The Headteacher Mrs Sibley, Linda Newman the deputy Chair of Governors and I are at Carden...
Posted by Alistair McNair on Monday, August 7, 2023
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