Man charged with arson after fire rips through Halifax school
A 19-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday night
A 19-year-old man has been charged with arson and burglary after a fire ripped through a primary school near to Halifax on Tuesday.
Police were called to Ash Green Primary in Clough Lane in Mixenden at around 19:48, where they found one of the buildings on fire.
It caused extensive damage to one of the buildings, which now won't open until after the February half-term.
Headteacher asks parents to "keep the faith"
Headteacher Mungo Sheppard to thank his "amazing staff" for keeping the school ticking over in the aftermath of the fire.
He says he's now focusing on the "recovery", with a statement saying the school hopes to restore power in the next couple of days.
It goes on to say the school will look at making sure all children have one week of face-to-face learning before the end of term.
The school then hopes to reopen on the 28th.
Mixenden "devastated" by fire
Pictures posted on social media last night show a huge blaze at the school, with smoke billowing over Mixenden.
One man wrote it was "awful to see", while headteacher Mungo Sheppard has thanked the local community for their support.
Halifax MP Holly Lynch was among those to pay tribute to the school, thanking police and fire services for their efforts.
In a statement, the Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Tim Swift, said: “It was heart-breaking to hear the news yesterday evening about the fire at Ash Green Community Primary School. My thoughts are with all the staff, parents and of course the pupils who usually attend this school.
“We know how much disruption our schools have faced throughout the COVID pandemic, so it’s particularly upsetting that Ash Green and the local community is now facing a further period of upheaval.
"The school is working hard to make sure children are well supported and plans are being put in place to minimise disruption for pupils as much as possible.
"We’re working closely with the school to support this and to assist with the recovery process going forward."