The scene of the blaze at Holy Child Primary School in Derry’s Creggan following the arson attack on Monday night
THE PSNI have revealed that two 10-year-old boys and an 11-year-old girl have been interviewed by police investigating the arson attack on Holy Child Primary School in Derry.
Six fire tenders and some 30 firefighters spend over three hours bringing the blaze under control at the premises in Creggan’s Central Drive on Monday evening.
The Fire Service and police were called after local residents saw flames coming from the roof and raised the alarm.
There had been unfounded speculation that a number of arrests had been made.
This evening, police in Derry say three children “voluntarily attended” Strand Road PSNI station for interview.
A spokesperson said the trio were released pending a report to the Youth Diversion Officer.
Principal Orla McDonnell surveyed the school in daylight on Tuesday 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.”
Holy Child principal Orla McDonnell with the damage to the school behind her caused by arsonists