Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Two teens questioned over Qld school fires
Police are speaking to two teenage boys about suspicious fires at a Rockhampton school.
August 29, 2018
Two teenage boys are in custody after two suspicious fires were lit at a Rockhampton school overnight.
Police were called to the South Rockhampton High School in Wandal at 2.30am on Wednesday after security observed two people wearing black fleeing the scene.
Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Peachey says the fires caused significant structural and smoke damage to the school’s art block and a nearby construction site.
“This is very concerning that two young people, most likely two young people who attend this address, have caused this significant damage and disruption to the education of our young people,” he told reporters.
“I know we’ve previously had a school in Biloela that was burnt down by juveniles as well.”
Det Snr Sgt Peachey said an accelerant was used to start a fire outside block D, where about 20 air-conditioning units awaiting installation were destroyed.
A second fire was then started in the foyer of the arts block after the offenders smashed their way into the building.
“They’ve set alight what we believe were mannequins and that’s caused quite significant structural damage as well as smoke damage,” he said.
“I don’t believe that building will be up and running anytime soon.”
The fire was extinguished about 3am and two boys, aged 14 and 16, are being questioned by police.
A crime scene has been set up and forensic officers are examining the scene.