School's out! Five boys arrested after huge blaze destroys technology college on eve of the first day of term

Five boys aged between 11 and 15 were arrested after a fire destroyed a school that was due to reopen tomorrow after the summer holidays.
Leyland St Mary’s Catholic Technology College in Leyland, Lancashire, was devastated by the blaze at 4pm yesterday, which saw 100ft flames - and was tackled by 125 firefighters and 20 engines.
The building - which was built in 1957 - had no sprinklers. The cause of the fire is being investigated and is thought to be suspicious, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Wreckage: Leyland St Mary's Catholic Technology College in Leyland, Lancashire, was devastated by the blaze at 4pm yesterday, which saw 100ft flames - and was tackled by 125 firefighters and 20 engines

Flames: The building - which was built in 1957 - had no sprinklers. The cause of the fire is being investigated and is thought to be suspicious, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said

Devastation: Several parts of the school had been wrecked, with damage apparently most severe in the science block. Among the contents believed to have been destroyed in the fire was GCSE coursework

Response: About 10 engines from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service remained at the scene early today to extinguish the last pockets of flames and ensure the scene was safe

The five children were being held on suspicion of arson, police said. About 10 fire engines remained at the scene early today to extinguish the last pockets of flames and ensure the scene was safe.
Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene until late this afternoon. Staff were due to attend the school today for an inset day, and pupils were to return for lessons after the holidays tomorrow.

 

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Several parts of the school had been wrecked, with damage apparently most severe in the science block. Among the contents believed to have been destroyed in the fire was GCSE coursework.
A fire service spokesman said: ‘After being called to the school on Royal Avenue just after 4pm, firefighters worked in difficult conditions to bring the fire under control.