TWO teenage boys have been arrested by police investigating a fire at a disused college building in Coventry.
The boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested yesterday (Wednesday April 30) on suspicion of arson, following the fire at the former Henley College building in Henley Road which broke out at around 7.15pm on Tuesday (April 29).
There were no casualties or injuries.
Evidence collected at the scene by West Midlands Fire Service investigators indicates that the fire was started deliberately.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “The two remain in custody while our enquiries continue.
“Our investigation into the cause of the fire continues and we are working with partners including the Fire Service and local authority to keep the site secure and protect the public.
“We will also be stepping up patrols in the area following recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.”
Fire crews continued to work at the site overnight, monitoring the site and damping down hot spots. Henley Road is now re-opened.
At the incident’s peak, 75 firefighters were tackling the blaze. Fire commander Ryan Donaldson told the BBC that 70 per cent of the building had been damaged.
An electric substation was temporarily shut down to ensure the safety of the site, but power has since been restored to homes.
The building has not been used as a college for three years, but has since been used as a filming location for the BBC drama series Phoenix Rise, and also by West Midlands Fire Service for training purposes.
Anyone with information about the events leading up to the fire is asked to contact police via the Live Chat facility at www.westmidlands.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting crime number 20/224813/25.
