Suspicious fire rips through Heatherwood School in Donvale

A suspicious fire has ripped through a special school in Donvale, with police now searching for a man seen fleeing the scene.

A fire tore through a special school. Picture: David Crosling

Police are searching for a man who was seen fleeing the grounds of a Melbourne special school after it was set ablaze.

Detectives said the suspicious fire caused “significant damage” to Heatherwood School, including the destruction of five classrooms and a canteen, and the man covered his face with a bandana.

A police spokeswoman said “the building was set on fire from inside and the male was last seen exiting the school and fleeing on foot along Springvale Road”.

Police and firefighters at the scene of a school fire at Heatherwood special education school in Donvale. Picture: David Crosling

It comes as shocking footage, released by Fire Rescue Victoria, shows classrooms alight as thick black smoke billows into the air and sirens wail in the background.

Police said the man they wish to speak to was wearing a black hooded top and a black and white paisley bandana covering his face.

They described him as Caucasian, 180cm tall with a thin build, dark hair and aged in his 30s.

It is another blow for the school with the Herald Sun revealing two days ago that the school’s builder had gone into liquidation leaving their renovations in limbo.

Students have been forced to use “disgusting” portaloos while their facilities remain unusable, riddled with dangerous black mould and mud.

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

Police and firefighters at the scene of the school fire. Picture: David Crosling