Arson Hits Special Needs School

Six classrooms suffered smoke damage after an arson at a school for children with special needs in Gwynedd. Firefighters were called to Ysgol Pendalar, Caernarfon at 2026 BST on Friday. Pupils are due to move into a new school building in the autumn.
 

Polystyrene insulation was set on fire which damaged a wall, said officers.

Terry Williams of North Wales Fire and Rescue said: “Deliberate fires are a serious form of anti-social behaviour and this will not be tolerated.”

The school has around 60 pupils and supporters in its fund-raising efforts include opera star Bryn Terfel.

A £4.6m new school is due to open in September but the fire affected the old buildings.

Mr Williams said arsonists were also are putting extra pressure on fire and rescue resources.

“Whilst crews are busy dealing with these incidents, there could be a real need for the resources to attend a life-threatening situation elsewhere in the county,” he said.

“We are appealing to parents to be aware of their children’s whereabouts during the summer holidays.”