Arson suspected cause of school fires

Police and Fire were called to the Ashgrove Primary School in Rangiora to a suspicious fire at approximately 3:50am yesterday.

There were two separate fires started in close proximity of each other and appear related.

The first was a deliberate burning of a $200 sandpit cover which has been removed from the sandpit and strung over a fence before being set alight.

The second and more serious blaze has caused extensive damage to a fenced area behind the new staff room and been extinguished just in time, before it set the whole office block alight.

This blaze has caused an estimated $15,000 damage.

Ashgrove School Principal, Christine Houia stated that 'it was a major concern for the schooling community and it could have been devastating for the children.'

'Ashgrove is a good caring school and this sort of activity makes us wary and nervous.' She also appeals to the public for any information relating to the suspicious fires.

Police are interested in speaking to anybody who was in the area around the early hours of the morning. Any information can be given to Constable Don Munro on 03 3136167.