The suspected arson attack at a north Belfast school yesterday has been described as a “mindless act of wanton destruction”.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds said he was outraged at the fire, which destroyed Whitehouse Primary School in Newtownabbey. The PSNI is treating the fire as arson.
The blaze, discovered at 2.30am. caused extensive damage.
Police said fires were started in a number of locations in the grounds of the school based on the Doagh Road. Nearby homes had to be evacuated as firefighters battled the blaze in the early hours.
One estimate said up 75 per cent of the school had been seriously damaged and police are currently examining the scene.
Fire and rescue services mounted a major operation to control the blaze. They successfully prevented it spreading to properties near the school.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
"This primary school is highly respected, with an enrolment of 400 pupils. The destruction of the premises, school work and records will be deeply upsetting for all connected with this school community," Mr Dodds said.
"I welcome assurances by the North Eastern Education and Library Board that the school will re-open, in some form, for the new school year in September. However the cost of replacement facilities will be an unwelcome extra burden at a time when all statutory finances are under pressure.
"It is imperative that the criminals responsible for this dastardly attack are caught and are brought to justice so that a strong message can be sent out that this sort of mindless destruction will not be tolerated.
School principal David McConkey said the attack was "absolutely devastating" for the school. "Dreadful day for the school in terms of the damage that's been done to the building and the resources within it."
The attack is the third such incident in the area within 10 days, Mr Dodds said. There have been similar attacks on Greencastle Orange Hall and Star of the Sea Primary School.
"If there is any suggestion of a connection then this pointless cycle of destruction must end immediately," said Mr Dodds.