Eastbourne school fire being treated as ‘suspicious’

Officers were called to Ringwood Road at 7.30pm on Sunday following reports of smoke coming from the school building.

Police have said nobody was present and no injuries were reported. The school currently remains closed.

Although the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, it is being treated as suspicious according to police.

DS Jason Hoadley said, “We are appealing to anyone with information or who witnessed anything suspicious around the time of this incident to come forward.

“A number of youths were seen by witnesses to have run from the scene prior to police arrival and we are keen to speak to them to ascertain whether they were involved.

“We understand that an incident such as this may cause concern but please be assured that we are working at pace to establish the circumstances.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident and there is not thought to be any threat to the local community.”

Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council David Tutt said, “This is terrible news for all concerned. Thanks go to East Sussex Fire and Rescue for their action and fortunately nobody was hurt in the fire.

“Stafford is a school which already had good plans for remote learning in place due to coronavirus and I understand that all children will either be taught at another location or remotely, whilst the damage is assessed.

“For those children eligible for free school meals, these will be distributed by Roselands. My best wishes go to all at Stafford and I hope that they will be up and running again very soon.”

Anyone who witnessed what happened or who has any information is asked to report online or call 101, quoting 1157 of 15/11.

Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.