Northumbria Police have launched an investigation after the Forest School area at Ravensworth Terrace Primary School in Birtley, Gateshead, was destroyed by fire. The incident, reported at about 4:45pm on Sunday, July 5, is being treated as criminal damage.
Details of the Incident
According to police, individuals gained entry to the school without permission and caused significant damage to the facilities. The fire is believed to have been set deliberately, destroying the forest area used for outdoor learning.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "At about 4.45pm on Sunday (July 5), we received a report of criminal damage at a premises on Mount Pleasant Road in Birtley. It was reported that at some point in the week previous, someone had gained entry without permission and caused significant damage to facilities."
Fundraising Efforts
In response, a parent of a child at the school set up a Go Fund Me page to help rebuild the forest area. The page states: "I am hoping to help raise some funds that will help the school rebuild their forest after individuals sadly set fire to it over the weekend causing significant damage." As of the latest update, more than £135 has been donated.
Police Appeal
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident is urged to contact Northumbria Police via social media, their website, or by calling 101, quoting reference NP-20260705-0749.
