Four Teenagers Sought After Fire at Former Eastbourne School

Police are appealing for witnesses after a fire broke out at a disused building in Eastbourne on Sunday evening.

Emergency services were called at around 5.40pm on 19 October to the former Moira House school site in Upper Carlisle Road following reports of a blaze.

Fire crews quickly brought the situation under control, and no injuries were reported. The fire is currently being treated as deliberately started.

Detectives are now seeking to trace four boys believed to have entered the premises earlier that afternoon, in connection with the incident.

Officers are conducting ongoing enquiries and are appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area between 3.30pm and 6pm, or who may have CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile footage, to come forward.

Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 936 of 19/10.

A spokesperson for the multi-agency response added:

“We are aware of concerns of asbestos being linked to the building.

Our information indicates there is no known asbestos in the affected areas. While this makes the risk of asbestos exposure very unlikely, we understand people may still feel concerned.

Smoke from any fire can cause irritation such as coughing, wheezing, sore throat, shortness of breath or eye irritation. It can also worsen existing health problems including asthma, so people should carry their inhaler with them at all times.

If you were in the area of the fire and are feeling unwell, please seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111 in the first instance. If you experience chest pains or severe breathing difficulties, please dial 999.”