Holy Child principal Orla McDonnell with the damage to the school behind her caused by arsonists
THE principal of a Derry primary school hit in an arson attack by vandals said it was an “horrific experience” to receive a telephone call about the incident last night.
Police are investigating the arson attack on Holy Child Primary School in the Creggan.
The fire was reported shortly before 9.30 pm last night, Monday, April 4.
Around 20 firefighters and four tenders attended and tackled the blaze which was started in the roof after materials were set alight.
The blaze was eventually brought under control shortly before midnight.
Principal Orla McDonnell surveyed the school in daylight this morning to examine the remains of the blaze.
She said: “There had actually been a governors’ meeting on in the school last night, we hadn’t left until after half past seven.
“We very nearly didn’t have a school by the end of last night.
“It was an horrific experience last night getting that phone call, driving up to the school, and wondering what you were going to be met with..
“There had actually been a governors meeting on in the school last night.
“We were having a very lengthy conversation about how we would celebrate the school’s 60th anniversary.”
Miss O’Donnell said the overwhelming feeling on Tuesday morning was one of relief.
“It would be fair to say that there is an ongoing problem with youths coming onto school grounds,” she said.
“I would just urge every parent to sit their children down and have a talk about their personal safety.
“There could have been loss of life last night,” added Miss O’Donnell.
A Fire and Service Service spokesman said it is believed the fire was started deliberately.
District Commander Kevin Lynch explained “There was building materials set on the first floor of the roof in preparation for completing work today.
“These building materials had been set alight.
“Quick actions from the crews who attended both from Northland and Crescent Link Fire Station were able to extinguish the fire quickly, and prevent the fire from getting into the actual structure of the building which saved the building and meant it will continue to function as normal today.”
The school said the blaze caused limited damage and it was re-opening today, Tuesday, April 5, for pupils.
Speaking from the scene after vandals set fire to the roof of the primary school, Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell said:
“There is shock in the local area that anyone would even contemplate starting a fire at a school”
“It’s just deplorable and sickening.
“I would like to thank the work of the Fire Service who dealt with this fire and would appeal to anyone in the community who has any information on who was involved in this incident to bring it forward to the police.”
Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Campbell at the scene of last night’s arson attack on Holy Child Primary School in the Creggan