Eastbourne School Fire: Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Arson

Thursday, 26 November 2020 17:06

By Charlotte Baker @Ch4rtweets

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at a school in Eastbourne on November 15.

As previously reported by More Radio, Emergency services were called to reports of smoke coming from Stafford County Junior School in Ringwood Road, at around 7.20pm.

Substantial damage was caused to the school building.

The fire is thought to be deliberate and a 31-year-old man from Eastbourne was detained by police today (Thursday).

He remained in custody on Friday afternoon for questioning.

Investigating officer DC Jon Moore said:

“The investigation is moving at pace as we try to piece together the evidence in this case. We will share what we can when we are in a position to do so, but in the meantime I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to solve the case.”

Inspector Rachel Barrow from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team added:

“This type of offence is extremely serious and we recognise that it has had a significant disruption on the staff and children at the school and the surrounding area.

“We are working closely with the fire service and the school to ensure that we are able to respond to and recognise the wider impact of the fire.

“Deliberate fires in Eastbourne are a real concern and are a priority for both Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, to ensure we do everything we can to reduce the risk associated with this crime.

“We are grateful for all the help and support we have received so far with our enquiries, and we continue to ask anyone with any information about what happened to get in touch.”

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