A teenager has been arrested and released under investigation after a fire destroyed an outdoor classroom in Christchurch Park in Ipswich.
The popular thatched education hut, close to the park’s Bolton Lane entrance and near the main children’s play area in the centre of the park, was destroyed in a fire which broke out at around 8.25pm on Monday, July 24.
On August 3, police arrested a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of arson. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
It is not known how the blaze started, but police said it appears a window was broken before the fire started. Fire crews spent an hour tackling the blaze. A joint police and fire investigation was launched into the arson.
A second fire, which could be linked, was sparked among the classroom’s remains on July 27.
Primary school pupils from across Suffolk learnt about wildlife at the hut, which opened two years ago.
To help police, call 101, quoting reference 37/50614/17, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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