Third blaze in three days 'devastates' building at Northumberland school causing £100,000 of damage

Emergency crews rushed to Josephine Butler Academy on Ashington’s Academy Road shortly before 2pm on Friday, July 10, following reports of a fire at the academy’s disused library site.

The blaze is said to have ‘devastated’ the building beyond repair, causing an estimated £100,000 worth of damage.

According to police this was the third fire in three days at the site and is currently being treated as malicious.

Officers are carrying out enquiries and have urged anyone who may have information which could help the investigation to come forward.

Detective Inspector Kelly French, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was the third fire in as many days at the site and it is currently being treated as malicious.

“This fire devastated the building, causing around £100,000 of damage and the building is likely beyond repair and will need to be pulled down.”

She added: “We are currently conducting a number of enquiries and reviewing CCTV.

“We urge anyone who may know anything about the fire to come forward – either speaking directly to police or through Crimestoppers.”

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or has any information which may help officers is asked to contact police using reference number 557 10/07/20 or by emailing the leading officer on [email protected].

Alternatively you can report via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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