Boy, 11, arrested after Sunbeams and Buddies nursery is damaged in arson

The youngster has been released under investigation pending further enquiries after Sunbeams and Buddies Day Care in Library Road, Poole suffered significant damage.

Officials say the total cost of the repairs will reach thousands of pounds after the incident at 9.55pm on Sunday, April 14.

Police and fire crews were called to reports of flames coming from the playground area.

It is believed that an arsonist had set fire to play equipment. The flames then spread to the side of the building.

The facility was forced to close for a day during the busy Easter holiday.

Yesterday, a spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”

Managing director Kirsty Lester said the damage to equipment is estimated at around £4,000.

“A garden storage cupboard was destroyed along with everything in it,” she told the Daily Echo.

“A window, door and canopy were damaged and safety flooring melted.”

Some 40 children had been due to attend the facility the following day.

Ms Lester said the fire had caused “a lot of inconvenience for parents who had made arrangements for their children”.

The nursery also had to return money to those who had booked their children in for the day.

Staff worked throughout the day to tidy the site.

They have used the incident to teach children about the importance of fire safety.

Sunbeams & Buddies provides early years education for children between the ages of two and five and also offers out of school care for children up to the age of 14.

Police are continuing to call for anyone with information about the blaze to come forward.

PC John Upsher, of Poole police, called the incident “mindless and reckless”.

To speak to officers, visit dorset.police.uk or call 101, quoting occurrence number 55190056376. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.