13-year-old arrested after suspicious fire burns through Northern Bay College overnight

A 13-year-old girl has been arrested and Northern Bay College’s Hendy St campus in Corio is closed after a fire damaged large parts of the school.

Fire has caused significant damage to the Hendy St Northern Bay College campus. Picture: Alison Wynd.

A 13-year-old girl has been arrested and Northern Bay College’s Hendy St campus is closed after a fire damaged large parts of the school.

Police said the blaze started just after midnight on Tuesday and a crime scene had been established.

“Officers attended and arrested a 13-year-old girl, who is currently in custody and speaking to police,” a spokeswoman said.

Staff speak with police after a fire caused significant damage to the Hendy St Northern Bay College campus. Picture: Alison Wynd

School principal Scott Diamond posted a message on Facebook confirming the closure of the campus.

“Early on Tuesday morning, there was a fire at our Hendy Street Campus, which caused significant damage to the main building, including campus administration and our Prep to Year 2 classrooms,” he said.

“Sadly, initial investigation points to arson.

On the advice of emergency services, the Department of Education has confirmed that our Hendy Street Campus will remain closed on Tuesday.

“No on-site supervision will be available, and I ask that you keep your child or young person at home today. been cancelled.

“Families who are unable to keep their child or young person at home or make alternative arrangements should attend NBC Goldsworthy Campus (Goldsworthy Rd, Corio) where supervision will be available.”

A fire at Northern Bay College's Hendy St campus is believed to have started just after midnight on Tuesday.

One nearby resident opened his front door after hearing an explosion and saw a young girl sitting on the nature strip.

School parent, Bronwyn, said the school had offered care for children and buses were seen picking children up just after 8am.

Mr Diamond said the school, would provide more information when it became available, including arrangements for the rest of the week.

A Country Fire Victoria spokesman said more than 40 firefighters attended the scene after calls were made to triple-0.

“It was well alight on arrival,” he said.

He said a 40m by 60m section of the school building had been burned, including administration offices and classrooms, with significant damage estimated to about 60 per cent of the building.

“It was deemed suspicious, and handed over the Victoria Police,” he said.

More to come.

Originally published as 13-year-old arrested after suspicious fire burns through Northern Bay College overnight