Overdale School fire: 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of arson

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested this afternoon on suspicion of arson, in connection with a blaze at a derelict Scarborough school.

He is currently being questioned in custody while enquiries continue.

The area in and around the former Overdale School at Eastfield remains closed off to members of the public.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fire crews are still at the scene and police say this is likely to continue throughout Saturday.

The blaze at the former Overdale School on Friday night. Photo: Hayley RichardsonThe blaze at the former Overdale School on Friday night. Photo: Hayley Richardson
The blaze at the former Overdale School on Friday night. Photo: Hayley Richardson

A police scene guard is expected to remain in place until Monday while enquires continue into the suspicious blaze.

Friday evening's fire caused significant disruption to neighbouring roads, with residents told to stay indoors.

No injuries were reported.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Firefighters at the scene today. Photo: Richard PonterFirefighters at the scene today. Photo: Richard Ponter
Firefighters at the scene today. Photo: Richard Ponter

Firefighters from stations across the region were working until the early hours of Saturday morning to extinguish the flames.

Police yesterday appealed for help to trace three teenage boys.

Eastfield residents have helped to identify the suspects who are thought to have deliberately started the blaze when they posted a photograph of a group of teenagers in the grounds shortly before it began on a community Facebook page.

Police said the first suspect is thin, white, around 15 years old and had a bowl haircut. He was wearing a black jacket with white panels across it and black tracksuit trousers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The second is described as looking around 13 years old, white, chubby, with a black jacket, blue hoodie and grey jogging trousers.

At the time police were working to get a description of the third suspect.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, select option 1 to speak to the Force Control Room.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Quote reference 12220033765 when providing details.

Since its closure Overdale has been replaced with a new community primary school built on a site at Middle Deepdale, which opened last year.

Related topics: