Police Investigate Suspected Arson After Fire Destroys Former Hythe School

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A fire that tore through a disused school building in Hythe is now being investigated as a suspected arson attack, according to Kent Police.

Emergency services were called to the site of the former Foxwood School on Seabrook Road between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Thursday after flames were reported coming from the building. The structure, which has not been used and sits within private gated grounds, suffered significant damage during the blaze.

Firefighters from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) were deployed to the scene and remained there well into the following day. A total of nine fire engines and a height vehicle were used to bring the situation under control. Crews finally left the site at 3:00 pm on Friday.

While no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident, the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. However, police have stated that the fire is being treated as suspicious at this stage. The authorities have launched an arson investigation.

According to a statement from Kent Police, the building is currently considered structurally unsafe, complicating the investigation and posing additional risks to anyone entering the premises. The school building, which had long been unused, was situated within a privately owned, gated area.

Kent Police are urging anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area around the time of the fire to come forward to assist with ongoing inquiries.

The full extent of the structural damage has yet to be officially assessed, but emergency services have warned that the site is dangerous and should not be approached by the public.

While the former educational facility had been vacant for some time, the incident raises wider concerns over safety and security around derelict sites. When left unmonitored, such properties can attract unwanted attention and pose a risk to public safety and emergency responders.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the authorities have yet to identify any suspects. No arrests have been made in connection with the fire.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Kent Police directly or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.