POLICE believe a fire that gutted a former college in Derry may have been started deliberately.
Emergency services were called to the site of the former Foyle College on Northland Road at around 3.30am today.
Four engines and an aerial appliance were despatched to tackle the blaze at the former college, which relocated to a new site in January.
Local councillors say the fire is the culmination of recent anti-social behaviour at the building.
Deliberate
PSNI Inspector Shaw of the PSNI said: “It was reported shortly after 3.30am the disused building was on fire and was later left gutted as a result of this.
“We believe this was started deliberately and are asking for the public’s assistance with the investigation.”
(Image: Shauna Cusack / Facebook)Just days ago, local SDLP councillor Shauna Cusack raised her concerns after the site had been targeted by vandals over the past week.
“This is a very concerning safety issue and could result in a serious injury or worse,” she warned at the time.
Sinn Féin counterpart Eric McGinley described the scene as a sad sight.
“I visited the school just before 7am this morning after learning of the overnight fire,” he said.
“It was a sad sight to see what was once a bustling home of education for thousands of children in our city now a burnt out shell.
“Just this week our party’s Education spokesperson local MLA Karen Mullan had arranged a site visit with members of the Board of Governors and community representatives to look at how we could actively work together to stop anti-community activity at the site.”
Health and safety risk
Mullan herself meanwhile revealed that she plans to meet school officials this week.
“Until these sites are transferred over to the Education Authority they are the responsibility of Foyle College,” she said.
(Image: Shauna Cusack / Facebook)“They must ensure the correct security measures are put in place for the site.
“I will be meeting with officials from the school early next week to raise further concerns.
“I would like to issue an urgent plea for everyone to stay off the grounds of the site as there is a serious health and safety risk.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Strand Road on 101 quoting reference 227 07/07/2018.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
