Heads' praise after fires

SEAFORD headteachers have praised townsfolk who dialled 999 following arson attacks at two schools.

Fires were started at Seaford Head Community College and Annecy RC Primary School on Wednesday evening last week.

At Seaford Head, firebugs set light to bins and the blaze spread to the boiler room and caused smoke damage to kitchens.

Headteacher Robin Precey said: 'I am a very grateful to the members of the community who reported the fire. About 12 people phoned. If they had not called the damage could have been much more serious.'

Two small sheds outside Annecy were found ablaze and damage was caused to the school hall when two windows were shattered by the heat from the fire.

Headteacher Margaret Slattery thanked the passing parent who noticed the blaze and firefighters for their speedy arrival. But she was scathing about the culprits. 'They create wanton damage and have no respect for other people's property,' she said.

Despite the damage both schools are due to reopen as planned on Monday after the Easter holiday.

Police would like to speak to witnesses who saw anyone behaving suspiciously near the schools. Officers are particularly keen for any information about a gang of teenagers seen hanging around the Steyne Road area just before the fires and later heading towards the town centre.

Readers with any information can call police on 0845 6070999.