Police investigating suspected arson at former Leeds school
Fire crews were called to the derelict Elmete Wood School on Saturday
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
Police have launched an investigation after a suspected arson at a derelict school in Leeds.
The fire service tackle the blaze at the former Elmete Wood School in Elmete Lane, Roundhay, on Saturday evening.
Officers were called out to the scene to put road closures in place and to warn people living nearby to stay indooers and to close their windows.
The fire caused extensive damage throughout the building and left it structurally unsafe.
Fire investigators believe the blaze was started deliberately. A group of youths were seen in and around the site at the time of the fire.
Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “Although the former school building is derelict, this was a major fire which required a significant emergency services response to deal with the situation and which presented potential risks to nearby residents.
"The building has been left completely gutted and unsafe as a result of the fire.
“Fire service investigators believe it was started deliberately and we are investigating the incident as arson.
“We are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible and would like to hear from anyone with any information that could assist the investigation. We have had reports of youths seen in the area in the time leading up to the fire.
“We are aware the building had been a regular target for vandalism and graffiti over the years and we would urge people to stay away from the site which is obviously now very unsafe.”