Youths have been accused of wilful fire-raising after a blaze at a secondary school and a nearby hub in the south west of Edinburgh.
Fire crews raced to Wester Hailes Education Centre on Murrayburn Drive at around 8pm on Friday night, before emergency services were alerted to another fire at Bridge 8 Hub on Calder Crescent at 8:25pm - which is located around a ten-minute walk from the school.
Several fire engines were mobilised to the blaze at the school, which is believed to have broken out in a cupboard, and remained there throughout much of the night to tackle the flames.
A local resident who was a former pupil at the school said it appeared to be "badly damaged". Speaking to PA News, he said: "The fire looked really severe. I got there when they were just opening the door.
"The fire has been tamed and it's under control. There's a lot of damage.
"I was devastated, and the fact that my little brother still goes to the school and the exams are just around the corner."
Bridge 8 Hub, an outdoor activity centre, has now taken to social media sharing photos of the devastation caused by the fire. They have also accused youths of "violent acts of fire-raising".
In a statement on Facebook, a spokesperson for Bridge 8 Hub said: "Tonight saw some youths commit a series of violent acts of fire-raising at two locations Bridge 8 Hub and the WHEC.
"We will be closed tomorrow to assist police with ongoing investigation and clean up. We are OK but community Garden Hut and toilet are out of action. We will keep you posted. Huge thanks to locals for calling fire service etc."
Police Scotland did not confirm if the incidents are being investigated as cases of wilful fire-raising.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 8.10pm on Friday, 13 March, 2020 officers were called to a report of a fire at a premises on Murrayburn Drive, Edinburgh and around 8.25pm officers received report of a fire at a premises on Calder Crescent, Edinburgh."
Green councillor Gavin Corbett said: "Absolutely devastating to hear that both @WHEC_Edin and @Bridge8Hub watersports social enterprise suffered serious fires last night. I can’t fathom the motivation of those responsible."
