Fire investigators believe they have identified the cause of a major fire that destroyed a Sussex school.
Firefighters were called to the Selsey Academy on Sunday morning. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service say the most likely cause of the fire was accidental ignition caused by a workman carrying out maintenance on the roof. They reiterate there is no evidence to support online speculation that this was arson.
Thanks to the efforts of the crews we were able to prevent it spreading to all parts of the school however, and I’m particularly pleased there were no injuries reported. I’m also glad that we were able to protect the neighbouring properties including the thatched houses that are part of Selsey’s appeal. It has been a great shock to the local community and all those people directly involved with the school, but they were tremendous in their support. What we hope for now is for the school to recover and the disruption to be kept to a minimum as it is being rebuilt”
– GAVIN WATTS, DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER
Original source: ITV News