Teenage boys charged by police over fire at school

A pair of teenagers have been charged in connection with a fire at a school in Edinburgh.

The two 16-year-old boys have been charged with wilful fire-raising in relation to a blaze which broke out at Wester Hailes Education Centre on Friday evening.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to tackle the fire at the centre shortly after 8pm.

A spokeswoman said the blaze was located inside a cupboard in the school and left the building “heavily smoke-damaged”.

Seven engines spent four hours at the scene but no casualties were reported.

On Sunday, Police Scotland confirmed the two teenage boys have been charged and are due to appear in court on Monday.

A statement said: “Police can confirm that two 16-year-old male youths have been charged in connection with wilful fire-raising in the Wester Hailes area of Edinburgh.

“They were both charged with a fire on Murrayburn Drive that was reported around 8pm on Friday, March 13.

“A report will be submitted to procurator fiscal and they will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday March 16.”

Police say they are still investigating three other incidents which took place in the Wester Hailes area on Friday evening – another fire on Calder Crescent and two alleged assaults.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.