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‘Balaclava-clad’ man, 20s, spotted near Cheriton Primary School building sent up in flames

By: Joe Harbert jharbert@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 17:09, 28 August 2024

Updated: 22:53, 28 August 2024

A police manhunt is intensifying after a balaclava clad man was spotted near a school building sent up in flames.

Suspects are said to have targeted one of Cheriton Primary School’s outbuildings, near Folkestone, in the late afternoon of August 15.

Police say the incident at Cheriton Primary School is being treated as suspicious. Picture: Cheriton Primary School
Cheriton Primary School was targeted in a suspected arson attack on August 15. Picture: Cheriton Primary School

Now, police say witnesses reported seeing a suspect in the area, described as a man in his early 20s, around the same time.

He is said to have been wearing a black balaclava, gloves, a black hooded top, black shorts and a black backpack.

Two fire engines and police were called to the Church Road site shortly before 5.45pm where they were at the scene for almost an hour.

The incident took place on the grounds of Cheriton Primary School. Picture: Google Maps
The damage at Cheriton Primary School led to the majority of the site's forest school area becoming engulfed in the blaze. Picture: Cheriton Primary School

Last week, KentOnline showed pictures of the aftermath of the attack which decimated the grounds.

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Two weeks on, officers continue to seek witnesses in a bid to help their investigation.

The damage led to the majority of the site's forest school area becoming engulfed in the blaze.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is being urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/137838/24.

People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.

Following the incident, the school, which caters for children aged four to 11, saw one of its former pupils kickstart a campaign in a bid to help it recover.

Folkestone's Tommy Whatman, 18, set up a fundraiser to help rebuild the grounds which has received more than £2,200 in donations already.

The times and places of the three fires in Cheriton, Folkestone this summer
Cheriton's Tommy Whatman has set up a fundraiser to help his former primary school

Those wishing to donate can do so here.

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Cheriton's forest school features a hut, benches and a campfire and is used weekly by many of its 403 pupils.

The area allows youngsters to participate in outdoor learning sessions about subjects like wildlife, geography and the natural world.

The fire was also the third blaze to hit the area during the last month.

One broke out at the Risborough Court section of the Shorncliffe Heights development less than half a mile away on April 24.

This was alongside another incident at the same development on August 10.


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