Fire attack at school sports hall

The blaze quickly spread and a floor above collapsed

There has been an arson attack on a school in north Belfast.

The sports hall of the Boys' Model school on the Ballysillan Road was extensively damaged in the attack, which was reported on Sunday afternoon.

The hall was set to be demolished, however exams were due to begin there on Tuesday. The blaze quickly spread and a floor above collapsed.

School principal Jim Keith said examination papers had been lost in the fire.

"We lost all of the equipment in the games hall, which was quite extensive," he said.

"The school had not been targeted in over 20 years

"I just presume it is because it is a building site and it has attracted people who would not normally come here. It does concern me about the future."

The school has just embarked on a £22m refurbishment programme.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Jim Rodgers, who recently visited the school, condemned those responsible.

"Now the Belfast board along with the principal, Mr Jim Keith, and his board of governors, will have to decide what are we going to do," said Mr Rodgers.

"Because, as I understand it, the sports hall is very badly damaged and it will cost thousands of pounds to try and restore."