Eastfield disused school blaze – two further suspects arrested on suspicion of arson

Following enquiries, detectives in Scarborough have arrested two boys aged 16 and 11 on suspicion of arson at the disused Overdale School in Eastfield, Scarborough, at around 8.30pm on Friday (25 February 2022).

They were brought into custody for questioning on Monday (28 February 2022) evening and have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on Saturday afternoon and he has been released under investigation.

Detective Constable Amy McDougall, of Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said: “Thanks to the excellent public response to our appeal, we’ve been able to obtain and review hours of footage and images which led to the two arrests on Monday.

“At this time, we’re still considering the possibility that there could be more suspects involved in this terrible incident which has deeply affected residents and past pupils of Overdale School.

“All I can ask is that those who have yet to contact us with any images, videos or information, to please do so without delay so that all those responsible can be brought to justice.”

Submitting video and photos and reporting information

If you have any photos, video or ring doorbell footage, please email cidscarborough&[email protected]

Information should be passed to North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote reference 12220033765 when providing details.

 

 

Detectives investigating a suspicious blaze at the disused Overdale School in Eastfield, Scarborough, are appealing for people to send in videos and photos taken at the scene.

Firefighters have been working through the weekend to ensure the site is safe and police are still guarding it while enquires continue.

It happened at around 8.30pm on Friday (25 February 2022).

A 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of arson on Saturday afternoon has been released under investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to identify two other teenage suspects.

Detective Constable Amy McDougall, of Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said: “This incident has caused a great deal of upset, anger and disruption in the community and we’re doing everything we can to bring those involved to justice.

“To help our investigation, we’re urging anyone who took videos or photographs of the fire to email them to the police as soon as possible. This includes footage or images of the large crowd of people who gathered to watch.

“Even the smallest video clip or photo could prove to be very useful, so please don’t hesitate to send it in.

“We’re also asking residents to check their ring doorbell footage between 5.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday, particularly any that shows teenage males matching the descriptions in our appeal. Please send this in too if you think it could help.”

Descriptions

All three suspects are teenage boys.

The first is described as thin, white, around 15 years old and had a bowl haircut. He was wearing a black jacket with white panels across it and black tracksuit trousers.

The second is described as looking around 13 years old, white, chubby, with a black jacket, blue hoodie and grey jogging trousers.

We are still working to get a description of the third suspect.

Submitting video and photos and reporting information

If you have any photos, video or ring doorbell footage, please email cidscarborough&[email protected]

Information should be passed to North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote reference 12220033765 when providing details.

 

UPDATE - Saturday 26 February 2022

Teenage boy arrested as enquiries continue into suspicious fire at disused Overdale School in Eastfield

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested this afternoon (Saturday 26 February 2022) on suspicion of arson. He is currently being questioned in custody while enquiries continue.

The area in and around the disused Overdale School in Eastfield, Scarborough, remains closed off to members of the public.

Fire crews are still at the scene and this is likely to continue throughout Saturday.

A police scene guard is expected to remain in place until Monday while enquires continue into the suspicious blaze.

The incident occurred at around 8.30pm on Friday (25 February 2022).

If you can help the investigation, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote reference 12220033765 when providing details.

 

 

Original appeal issued on Friday evening...

We’re currently at the scene of a large fire in Scarborough – did you see the suspects?

Police and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are dealing with a suspected arson at a disused school in the Scarborough area.

It occurred at around 8.30pm on Friday (25 February 2022).

There is significant disruption to neighbouring roads due to the scale of the fire at the old Overdale School buildings in Eastfield.

Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Emergency services are still on the scene and we are appealing for information about three suspects seen at the site.

All three are teenage boys.

The first is described as thin, white, around 15 years old and had a bowl haircut. He was wearing a black jacket with white panels across it and black tracksuit trousers.

The second is described as looking around 13 years old, white, chubby, with a black jacket, blue hoodie and grey jogging trousers.

We are still working to get a description of the third suspect. We are still making enquiries at the scene and this incident is being treated as arson.

Anyone with information should call us immediately on 101, select option 1 to speak to the Force Control Room and quote incident number 12220033765.