Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a major fire that tore through an abandoned college building in Coventry yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the site on Henley Road on Tuesday, 30 April, after thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing across the city skyline. West Midlands Fire Service deployed 12 fire engines and over 60 firefighters to battle the intense blaze, which took several hours to bring under control.
The derelict building, formerly part of Henley College Coventry, suffered extensive damage, with large parts of the structure completely destroyed.
Arrests and Investigation
Police confirmed that two teenage suspects have been arrested on suspicion of arson and are currently in custody being questioned. A joint investigation between West Midlands Police and the fire service is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said:
“We have arrested two teenagers in connection with the fire at the former college site. They remain in custody for questioning. We would urge anyone who has information, including photos or videos from the scene, to come forward to assist our enquiries.”
Local Reaction
Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed throughout the incident due to heavy smoke. The fire has sparked concerns about security at abandoned sites across the city, with calls for tighter measures to prevent further incidents.
The site, which has been vacant for several years, was awaiting redevelopment.
