Aberdeen school fire started deliberately - police

The fire happened at Dyce Academy

A fire which has closed an Aberdeen school is being treated as deliberate, police have said.

About 60 firefighters were involved as six appliances and one height vehicle were called to Dyce Academy shortly before midnight.

A fire on the first floor of the building was extinguished.

The school was closed as a result on Wednesday, and Aberdeen City Council said it was working on the assumption that it would not open for the remainder of the week. Police Scotland later confirmed the fire was being treated as wilful.

The school was closed as a result of the damage

Det Con Alex Currie, appealing for information, said: "Inquiries are ongoing and the fire is being treated as wilful."

Aberdeen City Council said: "Dyce Academy remains closed to pupils and staff following a fire overnight.

"Council officers and the headteacher have not yet been able to gain access to the school building to fully assess the extent of the damage.

"They have been advised that the fire damage appears to be contained to a small number of rooms, however they expect there to be extensive smoke and water damage, and a need for repair work required before pupils and staff can return to the building."

The statement added: "In order to fully assess and address the damage, and to ensure that utilities are fully operational, council officers are working on the assumption that the school will be closed for the remainder of this week."

The situation will be reviewed again on Thursday.