Fire at primary school in Derry treated as suspected arson

A fire that broke out at a primary school in Derry on Monday night is being treated as a suspected arson attack.

More than 20 firefighters attended the blaze at the Holy Child Primary School in the Creggan area just before 9.30pm.

Kevin Lynch, a district commander from The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said building materials that had been set on the floor of the flat roof ahead of work that was due to start on Tuesday were set on fire.

“When we arrived the materials had been set alight. Quick actions from the crews meant we were able to extinguish the fire quickly, preventing it from getting into the main structure of the building,” he said.

Mr Lynch said the fire was brought under control before midnight and the main building was saved, which meant the school could continue as normal on Tuesday.

The school released a statement to confirm the fire and to reassure parents it would be open as usual.

“I would just like to let everyone know that damage is limited despite this terrible incident,” it said.

“Holy Child stands by its motto: ‘Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day’ so we will continue to do what we do so well.”