Geelong detectives concerned two masked arsonists could strike again after suspicious inferno at Christian College

Geelong detectives are concerned a pair of alleged arsonists could strike again after a large inferno at a Waurn Ponds private school caused more than $4m worth of damage. SEE THE VIDEO.

Geelong detectives are concerned a pair of alleged arsonists could strike again after a large blaze at Christian College in Waurn Ponds caused more than $4m of damage.

Police believe the two masked men were at the school’s senior campus on Pigdons Rd on January 1 about 12.30am.

Emergency crews were called to the blaze at 2.30am, with 35 firefighters tackling the inferno.

CCTV images released by police show the men, believed to be in their late teens to early 20s, hitting a blue table tennis table with a hammer.

On Friday, police said the pair were also seen at the school on December 29 about midnight, when they allegedly set a small fire inside the toilet block and damaged property.

Geelong CIU detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie said the pair had not been linked to other crimes around January 1, but there had been a small number of fires in the area in recent weeks.

“We are not suggesting they are involved … but it is concerning,” he said.

It is not known if the men are connected with the school.

Christian College acting principal Richard Geall said the building would need to be demolished after the fire destroyed the entire wing.

A suspicious blaze at Christian College Geelong earlier this month.

The blaze impacted four classrooms, two offices and toilet blocks.

“Staff had offices in the building and they have lost sentimental items like letters and photos from past students,” he said.

“It does have an emotional impact but we are all optimistic and looking forward to the new school year.”

Sergeant Guthrie said investigators were concerned the alleged arsonists could offend again.

“There have been smaller fires around previously,” he said.

“They’ve done it once, why wouldn’t they do it again?”

Christian College acting principal Richard Geall and detective senior sergeant Mark Guthrie. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Geall said the destroyed wing belonged to Burrows, the yellow house, in the school’s house system.

“We will build a new space that will become a new community hub for the Burrows house,” he said. Alternative classrooms would be available when students returned to school so there were no disruptions to learning, he said

“We do hope the rebuild will be in the next year or two,” Mr Geall said.

The blaze caused significant damaged to the building, which will be demolished next week. Picture: Alan Barber

A 2018 blaze at the campus, started by an electrical fault, destroyed the administration building and reception area.

“You rebuild and you move on from these things,” Mr Geall said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Geelong detectives concerned two masked arsonists could strike again after suspicious inferno at Christian College