Fire at former school building in Londonderry treated as arson
At the height of the operation more than 50 firefighters were in attendance
A fire at a derelict building in Londonderry last night is being treated as arson.
The blaze started at the former site of Lisneal College on the Drumahoe Road shortly after 8pm.
At the height of the operation, more than 50 firefighters were in attendance.
The fire was extinguished shortly before midnight.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said, "Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries. However, there has been significant damage to the building as a result of the blaze.”
"The fire is being treated as arson and we're appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or has any information, to contact us."
Residents nearby were asked to keep windows and doors shut last night.
NIFRS Group Commander Ryan Thompson told us at the scene this morning, " We are just back here this morning as there are a few hot spots from last night's fire. All we are doing is dampening down at this phase".
"There is substantial damage to the second floor because of the intensity of the fire last night. It seems to be a repeated pattern. We've previously attended this site for a previous incident".
The number to call with information is 101, quoting reference 1707 03/03/24 or, make a report online via https://www.psni.police.uk/report or Crimestoppers, which can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.