16 Year-Old Denies Setting London Oratory School Ablaze

A 16-year-old boy, hailing from the London Borough of Wandsworth, made an appearance at Highbury Youth Court, facing charges of igniting a fire at the London Oratory School in Fulham. Due to his age, the teenager's identity remains protected. Additionally, he is accused of assaulting a police officer subsequent to his arrest, allegations he denied during a hearing on Friday (29 December).

The Fire Brigade received the initial call about the fire at 10:11 am on Wednesday (27 December), prompting the dispatch of ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters. Crews from various fire stations, including Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Wandsworth, Hammersmith, Clapham, Lambeth, and Soho, were deployed to tackle the incident.

Construction workers involved in the development of a swimming pool at the school and some local residents were evacuated during the incident. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control by 11:47 am, although a portion of the atrium in a four-story building on Seagrave Road sustained damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The police located the suspect in a nearby street around 11:30 am, subsequently taking him to a nearby police station. The teenager has been granted bail with the stipulation that he remains in his residence, venturing outside only in the company of an immediate family member. Additionally, he is prohibited from entering the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.