Girl, 13, arrested after 'suspicious' school fire in Geelong
A 13-year-old girl has been released without charge after police arrested her following a suspicious fire at a school in Geelong overnight.
Police believe the blaze started at Northern Bay College on Hendy Street in Corio about 12.15am.
Officers arrested the teenager from Bell Post Hill at the scene.
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Police believe the blaze started at Northern Bay College on Hendy Street in Corio about 12.15am. Nine
Principal Scott Diamond cancelled classes at the campus today, telling the school community no on-site supervision would be available.
The fire caused significant damage to the main building, including campus administration and Prep to Year 2 classrooms, according to Diamond.
"Sadly, initial investigation points to arson. On the advice of emergency services, the Department of Education has confirmed that our Hendy Street Campus will remain closed on Tuesday," the principal said in a statement.
"We will provide more information when it becomes available, particularly regarding arrangements for the rest of the week."
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The fire caused significant damage to the main building, including campus administration and Prep to Year 2 classrooms. Nine
Witness Ron Verhoef said the blaze spread quickly.
"My dogs woke me up first, and suddenly I heard this great big crack," he said.
"The flames were at least five, six metres high. It was that quick."
Police took the teenager into custody and interviewed her but she was released without charge.
The school will remain closed for the rest of the week while classes resume at another campus tomorrow.
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