Two Boys Arrested After Fire At Former Convent In St Leonards
- Dominic Kureen
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Two boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a major fire at a disused former convent in St Leonards.
Emergency services were called to the former College of the Holy Child Jesus on Magdalen Road shortly after 17:00 on Thursday after reports of a large blaze.
Sussex Police has confirmed that a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both from the local area, have been arrested and taken into custody.
It is believed the fire started on the third floor of the former Catholic college, which closed in 1976.
The historic building was later used as a language school before falling into disrepair, although its Grade II-listed chapel remains standing.
Magdalen Road and a number of surrounding streets remained closed while emergency services continue to deal with the incident and investigations get underway.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.