Two youths arrested in connection with Castle Hill fire
Monday, 18th June 2012.
Police have arrested two Haverhill youngsters on suspicion of setting fire to Castle Hill Middle School over Jubilee weekend.
A 14-year-old, who was arrested at school, and a 17-year-old have been bailed until August 15, while police continue to gather evidence.
Haverhill's police chief, Insp Peter Ferrie, said they still needed more information from the public and urged people to come forward, in particular anyone who had a blue wheelie bin stolen on the night of the fire, Sunday, June 3.
It is believed a wheelie bin was used to start the blaze.
"I am delighted we have made real progress in this investigation," Insp Ferrie said. "We still need more information from the public to help us charge any offenders who were involved.
"During the arrests, houses were searched and laptops, phones and other communication devices were seized, which will be examined.
Insp Ferrie confirmed police had gone onto school premises and arrested the 14-year-old at school.
"This was an unusual step to take, but I felt we needed to do that because of the length of time that had gone on since the incident," he said.
Castle Hill Middle School buildings, scheduled for demolition after it became redundant under educational changes last July, were almost completely destroyed in the blaze.
It marked the climax of a series of incidents of theft, vandalism and arson at redundant school sites in Haverhill.
The blackened ruins, declared dangerous, have still not been demolished two weeks after the fire.
A 14-year-old, who was arrested at school, and a 17-year-old have been bailed until August 15, while police continue to gather evidence.
Haverhill's police chief, Insp Peter Ferrie, said they still needed more information from the public and urged people to come forward, in particular anyone who had a blue wheelie bin stolen on the night of the fire, Sunday, June 3.
It is believed a wheelie bin was used to start the blaze.
"I am delighted we have made real progress in this investigation," Insp Ferrie said. "We still need more information from the public to help us charge any offenders who were involved.
"During the arrests, houses were searched and laptops, phones and other communication devices were seized, which will be examined.
Insp Ferrie confirmed police had gone onto school premises and arrested the 14-year-old at school.
"This was an unusual step to take, but I felt we needed to do that because of the length of time that had gone on since the incident," he said.
Castle Hill Middle School buildings, scheduled for demolition after it became redundant under educational changes last July, were almost completely destroyed in the blaze.
It marked the climax of a series of incidents of theft, vandalism and arson at redundant school sites in Haverhill.
The blackened ruins, declared dangerous, have still not been demolished two weeks after the fire.
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