Teen charged with Alexandra Hills State High School fire

Parents say they have had enough after a teenage boy was charged with setting a Redlands high school classroom on fire. WATCH THE CLASS BURN

Parents say they have had enough and wish police could do more to control anti-social behaviour after a teenage boy was charged with a classroom fire at a Redlands high school.

Police are investigating the suspicious fire at Windemere Road, Alexandra Hills on Saturday night, March 25.

A QPS spokesperson confirmed the fire was at Alexandra Hills State High School.

“Initial investigations indicate a window and door were damaged before a bin was set alight,” they said.

“Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished. No one was physically injured.

“Investigations remain ongoing and police appeal to anyone with information or relevant footage in the area at the time to come forward.”

A 14-year-old boy, understood to no longer be a student as the school, was charged with two counts of wilful damage and one count each of stealing and attempted enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence.

Another 14-year-old boy was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justices Act.

Screenshots of Alexandra Hills State High School fire. Picture: Contributed

Local parents said they had had enough of such anti-social behaviour.

One Redlands parent said the two boys were well known for causing trouble in the area.

They claimed the pair had been harassing and attacking other children, including a boy in a wheelchair and, allegedly, an elderly man.

A parent said the boys allegedly set their daughter’s car on fire on the night of the school blaze.

“It’s just getting way out of hand and we’re angry,” they said.

“The police can’t do anything about it. They could come and burn our house down and no one can stop them.

The car set on fire. Picture. Contributed

“He messaged her saying the car wouldn’t be the only thing burnt next time.

“I’m just so over it. I’ve been to the police station so many times and nothing is changing.

“These teens know the police can’t touch them and they think it’s funny... they’re still walking around town.

“They’re posting everything online bragging about the crimes.

“Everyone is suffering except for them.”

It is understood one of the teens appeared at Cleveland Magistrates Court.

The Department of Education said in a statement that the incident was referred to police.

“As the matter is currently under investigation the department is unable to make further comment,” a spokesman said.

“Guidance officer support is available at the school for students that may require it.

“Support for staff is also available through the department’s Employee Assistance Program.

“No structural damage was sustained as a result of the fire, however there was damage to student work and teaching resources.

“The area was cleaned and decontaminated and classes are continuing as normal.”