Teenager arson suspects arrested after school fire in Balsall Heath, Birmingham

Police have arrested two 16 year-old boys on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a disused school went on fire in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

The suspects have been released on bail as officers continue their investigations following the blaze on Clifton Road which began before 1pm on Monday (April 22).

West Midlands Fire Service attended and a nearby school was safely evacuated while crews dealt with the blaze and roads were closed throughout the operation which continued into Tuesday. 

Get a bespoke headline round-up from Birmingham, as well as breaking news updates, when you sign up to BirminghamWorld’s free emails

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “At this stage, no one is believed to have been injured. Officers remained at the scene with fire crews who still continue to assess the damage and make the site secure.  

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the cause of the fire but we suspect it may have been started deliberately. Two 16-year-old boys were arrested yesterday evening on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and have been released on bail while we investigate. We are asking for anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101 or via Live Chat on our website quoting log 2484 of 22 April.”