A MAJOR fire that ripped through a former school is being treated as suspicious.

Two girls and a boy, all 13, were arrested on suspicion of arson following the fire at the Grays School in Western Road, Newhaven, yesterday.

Sussex Police say the trio have since been released under investigation.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service investigators are due to return to the scene today.

Crews from across East Sussex spent most of yesterday battling the fire, which started shortly before 11am.

At its height, plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away.

Residents were advised to keep their doors and windows closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The school has been empty since it closed in 2014.

It is the second major fire to affect school buildings in the town.
In 2005 the former Tideway School was destroyed following an arson attack.

It has since been rebuilt and is now called Seahaven Academy.

Witness Joanne Nash, 29, said she could see thick black smoke from the back of her house in nearby Meeching Road.

She said: “It was horrendous. 
“I think there are concerns about the effects of the smoke because we have been told to keep the windows and doors closed.

“The building has been empty for a few years but squatters have been known to use it and children have been inside as well.”

Anthony Mayo, 37, of Rose Walk, said: “It’s very sad because I went to that school and now it’s burnt down. 

“I went to Tideway and that burnt down as well. All my old schools are gone now. My children went there as well. It’s sad because another piece of Newhaven history is gone. 

“I have a lot of happy childhood memories there. This time of year was school plays and nativities. 

“My kids were there for a couple of years and they will be very sad when they hear.”

Val Gladman, 72, who lives nearby, said: “I came out at about quarter past eleven and saw some black smoke. 

“There’s been loads of fire engines since. The school’s been there since I was a little girl and it’s strange to see something like this in a place where I have so many memories.”

It is not yet known what started the fire but inspectors are due to return to the scene today.

The building is still owned by East Sussex County Council.

A spokesman said: “Appropriate security measures are in place at all our vacant buildings and security at these sites is regularly reviewed."

The council is contracted to sell the site to a developer after declaring it surplus to requirements.

Lewes District Council has given planning permission for new homes to be built on the site.