Boys released on conditional bail following police arrest after 'arson' blaze at historic St Leonards building

A police spokesperson said that the boys ‘from the local area were arrested on suspicion of arson and transported to custody’ were on Friday (July 10).

On Monday (July 13) the police spokesperson said: “The two suspects have been released on conditional bail as our investigation continues.”

They added: “Police are investigating a fire at a disused building in St Leonards as arson.

“Emergency services were called to the incident in Magdalen Road around 5.07pm on Thursday, July 9.

“Police assisted with traffic management and crowd control while East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze.

“The public can expect to see a visible police presence in the area as our enquiries continue, and anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1293 of 09/07.

“Magdalen Road and the adjoining roads remain closed, and we would urge motorists to seek alternative routes in the meantime.”

Large smoke plumes were seen billowing over the town as the fire took hold.

Hastings MP Helena Dollimore said: “I know everyone in St Leonards is deeply distressed by the fire at the convent site. It is infuriating that this has happened after so many of us have repeatedly warned the site is not secure and urged the site manager and the local council to do all in their power to protect it. There must now be a proper investigation into how this was allowed to happen.

“Kroll, the company responsible for securing the site must explain how they will protect this precious heritage site before the remaining parts of the site can be damaged.”

A Kroll spokesperson said: “We understand how distressing this incident is for the local community, and we share their concern for this important heritage site.

“Our on-site security team identified the fire and immediately contacted the emergency services, who responded quickly and contained the incident. We can confirm the listed building (St Michael’s Chapel) was not affected.

“The receivers have been in regular and ongoing dialogue with both the local authority and the lender regarding site security, and we are working with all parties to review and strengthen protective measures.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with any investigations into the cause of the fire.”

At the height of the blaze there were eight fire engines with relief crews throughout the night. Appliances from Hastings Bohemia Road, Hastings The Ridge, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Uckfield, Battle, Rye, Pevensey, Heathfield, Barcombe, Burwash, Seaford and Broad Oak attended.

It was scaled down to one fire engine at 5.50am today (Friday, July 10).

A fire service spokesperson said: “We are seeking specialist advice from the UK Health Security Agency due to ash on cars and buildings following the fire. At present we recommend not disturbing it as far as possible.”

The blaze comes soon after campaigners made an urgent call to prevent the 'catastrophic loss' of the site.

The Convent Project said it had become a hotspot for vandalism, break-ins, and structural decay.

The site features the Grade II* listed St Michael’s Chapel, designed by Edward Welby Pugin. His father, Augustus Pugin, was the legendary architect who designed the interior of the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous clock tower housing Big Ben.

They called for the boarding up of vulnerable entry points, CCTV, urgent structural reinforcement, and a council-backed directive to turn the site into a 'protected community asset'.

A council spokesperson said it was 'actively engaging with the owner/receiver side, emergency services, Historic England and other partners in relation to site safety, security and heritage protection'.

Historic England said it was aware of the 'dangerous, deteriorating conditions' at the former convent site. A Historic England spokesperson said it was 'working hard' with the council to 'explore all options to prevent the loss of these buildings'.