Fire at derelict school was ‘deliberate' as PSNI appeal for information
The blaze at the former Faughan Valley school in Drumahoe was tackled by 45 firefighters, with six pumping appliances and one aerial appliance also dispatched.
Police also attended the scene after receiving the report around 5am and their enquiries are ongoing.
The Drumahoe Road was closed at the junctions with the Glenshane Road and the Fincairn Road but has since been reopened to traffic.
Local residents had also been advised to keep windows closed.
It's the second time in little over a year that the site has been the target of a 'deliberate' blaze, with the abandoned school also at the centre of a suspected arson attack in March 2024.
Locator: Faughan Valley High School
The 2024 attack required a similar NIFRS response with around 50 firefighters sent to douse the flames alongside seven pumping appliances, one aerial appliance and a command support unit.
A PSNI spokesperson said at the time: "Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries. However, there has been significant damage to the building as a result of the blaze.
"The fire is being treated as arson and we're appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or has any information, to contact us.'
A NIFRS spokesman added at the time the cause of last year's fire was "deliberate ignition".
Anyone with any information about the latest incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 236 of 31/05/25.
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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