Simpson Street School fire: Arson investigation continues after devastating Sunderland blaze

Police officers investigating a suspected arson attack on one of Sunderland’s historic buildings are continuing their inquiries days on from the blaze.

By Debra Fox

Published 3rd Feb 2020, 10:32 BST

Updated 3rd Feb 2020, 11:07 BST

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Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent five of its crews to Sunderland’s Simpson Street in response to a fire at a Grade II-listed building.

The roof of the former Deptford school was severely damaged in the blaze, which took place on Tuesday, January 28, with firefighters spending more than four hours at the scene to bring the flames under control.

After previously confirming that the force was treating the cause of the fire as arson, a Northumbria Police spokesman confirmed to the Echo on Monday that no arrests have yet been made, and that inquiries into the attack are ongoing.

Opening as a school in 1847, the building was given listed status in the 1990s.

Anyone with information about the fire can contact 101 quoting reference 922 280120.