Preston boys arrested on suspicion of arson after blaze at Fulwood Priory School nursery

The fire tore through the nursery building at Highfield Priory in Fulwood Row shortly before 7pm on Saturday (October 15).

Six fire engines and Lancashire’s aerial ladder platform battled the blaze overnight and into Sunday morning.

Fire chiefs reported their suspicions to police and detectives swiftly launched an arson investigation.

Today (Tuesday, October 18), police confirmed that four boys, all aged 14, have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

They were taken into custody on suspicion of ‘criminal damage – arson not endangering life’, and have since been released on bail.

Det Insp George Binns, of Preston CID, said: "While we have made a number of arrests, our investigation is very much ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, or anyone who has information which could assist our enquiries to get in touch.”

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses, dashcam or doorbell footage following the fire.

Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting the log number 1139 of October 15.

You can read our full report on the fire here.