McGuinness condemns arson attack on school

The Northern Ireland education minister, Mr Martin McGuinness, has condemned a "disgarceful" apparent arson attack that badly…

The Northern Ireland education minister, Mr Martin McGuinness, has condemned a "disgarceful" apparent arson attack that badly damaged a Catholic primary school near Belfast.

"I call on community leaders to use their influence to stop such attacks," he said.

A stolen car ignited after crashing in the grounds of St Anne's Primary School in Dunmurryand caused an estimated Stg£250,000-worth of damage.

A block of classrooms was destroyed by the huge blaze which broke out overnight.

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Mr Jim Tiernan, principal of the school said around 120 primary pupils used the building.

"Three of the classrooms have been burnt to ash," he said. "The devastating part of that is all the equipment has gone. The children's records and profiles have been burnt after six and seven years in the school."

The PSNI has launched an investigation into the incident, which began when a Ford Fiesta stolen from Brook Park in the Twinbrook estate in west Belfast ploughed into the school grounds.

A fire which broke out in the vehicle then spread to the building.

Meanwhile, an animal processing unit in a Co Tyrone haulage yard has been badly damaged by fire.

Up to 12 fire engines and more than 50 crew were needed to bring the blaze at Tamnamore Road, Dungannon under control. Around 200 tonnes of straw, 220 tonnes of animal feed and machinery had all been set alight.

PA