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Boy, 15, arrested after large fire at former school

Alice CunninghamSuffolk
Brandon Fire Station A former school building that has been completely destroyed in a fire. Rubble and ash can be seen with some smoke billowing into the air.Brandon Fire Station
The fire was first scaled down at 01:30 BST on Wednesday

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after 70 firefighters battled a large blaze at a former school.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was called to the former Parkway Middle School on Park Road in Haverhill at about 20:20 BST on Tuesday.

A final stop on the fire was called at 16:01 on Wednesday with a fire investigation into the cause launched.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Police said the teenage boy was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of criminal damage - arson not endangering life.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service An aerial view of a building that has been destroyed in a fire. The building is covered in ash and soot and some smoke is rising from the site.Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
A fire investigation into the cause of the blaze was set to start on Wednesday

He was later bailed with conditions to return to police on 22 June.

Police and ambulance crews were also called to the scene at the height of the fire.

Residents were warned to keep all doors and windows closed with the smoke being seen for miles around the area.

The fire service said it had received more than 60 calls about the blaze and that 90% of the building had collapsed.

No injuries were reported and firefighters worked through the night and all through Wednesday to ensure the area was safe.

Supplied A large plume of smoke over houses, showing a tree. Thick black smoke and the tops of several buildings are visible.Supplied
Thick black smoke could be seen for miles in the area according to witnesses

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