Police appeal as arrest made following Haverhill fire

A teenage boy has been arrested as part of investigations into a large fire in Haverhill.

Police were called by the fire service at 8.46pm on Tuesday 12 May to the former Parkway Middle School on Park Road.  

A police cordon remains in place and officers are currently investigating the incident as a suspected arson.

One person, a 15-year-old boy, was arrested yesterday, 13 May, on suspicion of criminal damage – arson not endangering life. He was taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning and was subsequently bailed to return to police on 22 June.

Detective Inspector Richard Prouse said: “We are investigating this fire as arson and believe there may have been a number of individuals that were either involved, in the area at the time, or that may have some knowledge of how the fire started and who may be responsible.

“This was an extremely dangerous situation that has led to the destruction of a very large building and a fire that could be seen for miles around.

“The seriousness of this incident is clear, and I’d urge anyone with information or if you believe a friend or a family member may know something but hasn’t shared this with police, to please get in contact.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk Constabulary’s West CID quoting crime reference Crime ref: 37/27212/26, via:

Website - Provide more information about an appeal 

Phone - Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: Crimestoppers

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.