A local councillor has expressed his anger following an early morning arson attack at the former Immaculate Conception College in the Waterside area of Derry.
Cllr Christopher Jackson was speaking after blaze completely destroyed the gym hall of the former school on Trench Road which closed last year, on which demolition work began in May last.
At its height, 25 firefighters were tackling the blaze which was reported at around 5.00am.
Cllr Jackson said: “There have been a number of incidents at this site over the past two weeks.
“A number of attempts have been made to set the old building on fire .Tools have also been stolen from the site.
“I have been on the ground each night with local community workers trying to prevent this carryon. A lot of this is being carried out by a very small group aged no more than 14-15 years old.”
Cllr Jackson concluded: “This is the last thing this area needs, a lot of people are working very hard to put on positive community summer schemes for our young people.
Photo shows firefighters at the scene of the fire..
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