A huge fire that tore through a disused school in Tollcross, East Glasgow, was started deliberately according to Strathclyde Police.
More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene at the former St Mark’s Primary School at 2.13pm and after entering the building with main jets were forced to withdraw due to the intensity of the heat.
Two aerial rescue pumps were called to help contain the blaze which eventually destroyed part of the building and left the rest unsafe, meaning it will now need to be completely demolished.
Strathclyde Police described the fire as “wilful fireraising” and reported that three male youths were at the scene when the fire broke out. Det Sgt Roland Craig urged them to come forward “in order that they can be eliminated from this investigation.”
It was confirmed by police that there was also asbestos in the building, but after carrying out air quality checks Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Sevice said there was no immediate risk to the local population.
Roland said in a police statement that “the only description is that one [of the youths] was wearing an orange top and the other a white hooded top.”
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