Dudley school site targeted in suspected arson attack
A school centre based in Dudley has been targeted in a suspected arson attack where chemicals had been found.
Around 20 firefighters were called to the grounds of Pens Meadow School Post 16 centre, in Tiled House Lane, Pensnett, on Monday
The site was formally Pensnett High School before it was forced to close around six years ago.
The fire was reported just before 4pm in the science laboratory.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokeswoman said: "The fire was in the science lab on the ground floor of a single void school building. It was a deliberate ignition.
"There were a variety of chemicals found but none were involved in the fire."
Two crews from Brierley Hill, one from Dudley and another from Haden Cross, attended the blaze.
Four firefighters in breathing gear, using one main jet, extinguished the flames. Crews came away from the scene shortly before 8pm.
Pensnett High School closed in 2010 following dwindling pupil numbers and failing targets.
The 11 per cent GCSE pass rate was well below the national 30 per cent target rate and at the time council education officers said it as 'failing' pupils.
The school shut in August that year despite a public campaign to save it with parents saying they didn't want their children's education disrupted.
