Kids "of primary school age" reportedly set fire to a wooden gazebo as students stood in a classroom nearby.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) received a 999 call at around 4.22pm on Monday, August 8, reporting a fire at Somerville Primary School on Northbrook Road in Wallasey. Two fire engines arrived at the scene three minutes later and crews got to work putting out the blaze.
MFRS located a small fire at the school's wooden gazebo and it took crews less than 20 minutes to extinguish it. Once teachers at the school looked back at CCTV footage from during the incident they "sadly" released it was "children of primary school age" who "shattered windows and started the fire".
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The school sent a letter to people living nearby explaining what happened, and said they had passed all CCTV footage to police, who are actively investigating. They also said a number of children were still on site in the outdoor classroom when the blaze took place.
A letter from the school read: "Unfortunately, over the summer holidays, we have experienced two episodes of serious vandalism. Our CCTV system has recorded each episode and the footage has been passed over to the police this morning.
"They are actively investigating these crimes due to the seriousness of the incidents and what the CCTV captured. One of the acts of vandalism involving a fire had caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the school grounds.
"Two fire engines had to put out the blaze and the fire service phoned the police due to it being arson. Sadly, it was children of primary school age who have shattered the windows and started the fire.
"They are entering the grounds just after school has been closed for the day. The children were still on site in the outdoor classroom when the blaze took hold.
"This was very close to ending in an unimaginable tragedy. Due to the Fire Brigade's quick response this prevented the fire spreading further and possibly over to resident properties.
"If you have any further information please contact the police or e-mail the school office with the heading VANDALISM INFORMATION. We are strongly encouraging all local residents that if they see ANYONE enter the school grounds to contact the police immediately or contact WIRRAL COMMUNITY PATROL.
"Anybody entering the grounds is trespassing and school will follow up as such."
Merseyside Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident after officers were called at around 5.40pm.
A spokesperson from the force said: "Further reports and examinations have established that the fire may have been caused deliberately at present. An investigation is underway and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information can contact police by DM via on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 22000577497.
You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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