West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a major fire which led to nearby residents being told to keep their windows and doors shut due to a potential smoke risk.
The blaze, which broke out on Elmete Lane, Roundhay in Leeds on Saturday evening, caused extensive damage throughout the building and has left it structurally unsafe.
At 6.47pm on Saturday, the fire service contacted police to report they had a large number of appliances dealing with the fire at the former Elmete Wood School, in Elmete Lane, Roundhay.
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Detectives have liaised with fire investigators who assessed the cause of the fire to be deliberate ignition within the building.
Youths had been seen in and around the site at the time leading up to the fire.
Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “Although the former school building is derelict, this was a major fire which required a significant emergency services response to deal with the situation and which presented potential risks to nearby residents.
"The building has been left completely gutted and unsafe as a result of the fire.
“Fire service investigators believe it was started deliberately and we are investigating the incident as arson.
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“We are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible and would like to hear from anyone with any information that could assist the investigation. We have had reports of youths seen in the area in the time leading up to the fire.
“We are aware the building had been a regular target for vandalism and graffiti over the years and we would urge people to stay away from the site which is obviously now very unsafe.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13210113968 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
