Henley College on fire?

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I'm picking up news that Henley College might be on fire.

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Coventry residents warned as Henley College goes up in flames



Coventry residents have been told to avoid the area after fire crews rushed to tackle a huge blaze at Henley College. Flames could be seen coming from the building on Henley Road as smoke billowed up into the sky, which could be seen for miles around.

West Midlands Fire Service has initially taken to social media to warn locals about the incident. The post reads: "We have twelve crews in attendance at Henley Road, Coventry, where they have responded to a Fire at a disused College Building.

"Please avoid the area, where possible."

At this stage, the cause of the fire is unknown. Police and ambulance crews have also been spotted at the scene. Despite warnings, residents are out in force, lining adjacent streets and watching the flames rip through the building. The live incident is also causing traffic issues in the area.

The site, formerly a campus of Coventry College, has not been used as an educational establishment for several years, having previously been an important institution since the 1960s. It has been used for filming purposes in recent years, and emergency services training exercises as recently as earlier this month.

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Fierce flame at former college lights up night sky



Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a disused former college building in Coventry, with fierce flame visible to the site's neighbours.

Twelve crews were sent to the scene on Henley Road, West Midlands Fire Service said on X shortly after 20:00 BST.



Residents have been asked to close doors and windows and members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.

Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen from miles away after the blaze broke out at the former Henley College building.



The smoke was seen hanging above the roofs of surrounding residential properties as firefighters battled to bring the situation under control.

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Two boys arrested after fire at derelict college



Two teenagers have been arrested by police investigating a suspected arson attack at a derelict college.

Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen from miles away after the fire started at the former Henley College building on Henley Road, with fire services receiving calls at about 19:15 BST on Tuesday.

Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of arson on Wednesday and remained in custody, West Midlands Police said.

The force added it planned to step up patrols in the area after reports of anti-social behaviour.

Fire commander Ryan Donaldson said 70% of the building had been damaged with the other 30% saved from the "significant" fire.

Six crews continued to work at the scene on Wednesday afternoon and areas of reignition had appeared intermittently throughout the day, West Midlands Fire Service said.

At the incident's peak, 75 firefighters were in attendance and 45 remained at the scene on Wednesday.

Mr Donaldson said he did not believe anyone was in the building when the fire broke out.

He told the BBC the fire service's priority had been to save part of the building and to protect local residents.

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Police presence upped amid reports of antisocial behaviour following Henley fire



Police are upping their presence after reports of antisocial behaviour in the wake of the Henley College fire. The former Coventry College campus was left destroyed after an inferno which started on Tuesday night.

After days tackling the fire, four teenagers have been arrested for suspected arson. It has now been revealed, all four, two boys and two girls, have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

But disturbingly police and the college have issued statements regarding issues surrounding safety and antisocial behaviour in the area.

The latest police update, issued to CoventryLive on 2 May, states: "A 14-year-old girl has released on police bail with strict conditions. Our investigation into the cause of the blaze continues and we are working with partners including the Fire Service and local authority to keep the site secure and protect the public.

"We're stepping up patrols in the area following recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. Anyone with more information about the events leading up to the fire can contact us via 101 or Live Chat quoting crime number 20/224813/25."

Meanwhile a spokesman for Coventry College: "The fire at the former Henley College campus was a serious alleged arson involving a public asset, and we know that this has been deeply upsetting for many. We have and continue to put in place substantial arrangements, working closely with the fire and police and other relevant agencies to keep the site secure and assess the extent of the damage.

"We are extremely grateful to all first and second responders, especially the fire service and police, for their swift and professional actions."