Young people warned to avoid derelict building site following fire

Emergency services were called to London Road, Newark, at around 5.20pm on Tuesday (30 May), after receiving reports that a building was on fire.

A police investigation is currently underway to establish the cause of the fire at the unused site, where the Lilley and Stone School used to be based.

Nottinghamshire Police has previously received reports of young people gathering at the former school, with the derelict building now being declared unsafe to enter.

A cordon has been placed around the site, with Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and Newark and Sherwood District Council pleading with young people to steer clear of the building going forward.

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, Nottinghamshire Police’s District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “We are currently investigating a fire at the former Lilley and Stone School, and it is extremely important that people continue to stay away from this site while we do so.

“I would particularly aim this message at young people from the local community, who have been known to gather at the unused site in the past.

“For obvious reasons, derelict buildings like this one are unsafe to explore and put anyone who goes inside them in danger of coming to harm, which nobody wants to see.

“These safety concerns have only been amplified because of this fire, so I’d ask that people please stay away from the area.

“I’d also request that parents speak to their children about the dangers this could pose and to take responsibility in knowing where their child is and what they are doing.”

Michelle Fitzpatrick, Newark and Sherwood’s District Prevention Officer at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Entering derelict buildings poses a serious risk, which is why we are joining our partners in urging people to stay away from sites such as this one here in London Road.

“Luckily, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly before it spread and no injuries occurred, however, incidents like these can cause harm and distress to not only those near the building, but also to the local communities.

“Parents – please remind your children of the dangers of going into derelict buildings and also highlight the consequences they could face when playing with fire.

“We will continue to work closely with Nottinghamshire Police over the coming days to determine the cause of this fire.”

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner, Safer, Greener at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Our partners from Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue are continuing to investigate the fire at the former Lilley and Stone School in Newark.

“We urge residents to stay away from the area while these investigations continue."

Anyone that has any information relating to this incident that could assist the police with their inquiries is asked to call 101, quoting incident 647 of 30 May 2023.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.