Police and fire services issue urge troublemakers to steer clear of Bury building

Police along with the fire service are issuing a joint message urging trouble-makers to stay away from an abandoned building in Bury St Edmunds that has been subject to a recent arson and other criminal activity.

It follows a recent string of incidents of fires at the old Moreton Hall Prep School in the town that was closed in 2020 and remains unoccupied.

During 2025 there have been the following incidents:

On July 5 there was an incident of arson when at about 11am unknown people lit multiple fires within the derelict school building causing significant damage and expense to police and fire resources. Police had to evacuate around 100 people from the Moreton Hall health club next door to the site (200m away) with road closures also put in place. If the incident had taken place during the week, a nearby nursey would have also had to have been evacuated. Investigations into this incident are still ongoing.

On June 27 at about 5pm a burglary and arson took place. Individual(s) forced entry to into the property, went to the first floor and pushed a fabric chair against a wall and set fire to this. The fire service were called with the fire contained to the room of origin. Some gargoyle stair ornaments were also taken from the property.

At some point between January 31 to February 3 over the weekend unknown offenders broke into the school and caused damage inside the kitchen area  whilst on January 24 to January27  over the weekend period another burglary took place, again causing damage to the kitchen area.

Inspector Joe Nettleton, of Bury St Edmunds police, said: ”These incidents are completely unacceptable as they put unnecessary and time-consuming demands on our police officers and the fire service personal.

“The fires need extinguishing, road closures need putting in place and residents living nearby are disrupted as they are forced leave their premises in the interests of safety.

“The location is connected to a nursery and a neighbouring gym, along with being in the heart of a resident estates.

“People who live and use these facilities do not want their daily routine disrupted by the actions of an irresponsible and selfish minority.

“There is a real risk that someone could be seriously injured by this type of irresponsible behaviour or put themselves in danger if they become trapped.

“We are working closely with the fire service to ensure we remained joined up in our response to prevent any future incidents and we are still keen for anyone who has knowledge of who is responsible to come forward with information.”

And Darren Reeve, group manager, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service who is responsible for all stations and crews in the west of the county, said: “The recent fires at this site have become a growing concern over the past few weeks, particularly during an already demanding time of year compounded by the recent hot weather.

“Sites like this pose significant risks not only to the public but also to our fire crews.

“The dangers to health and safety are considerable, and I strongly urge members of the public to stay away from the building.

“Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service is working closely with Suffolk police and other partner agencies to educate, inform, and protect our communities.

“Our shared goal is to prevent further incidents of this nature and reduce the risk to life and property.

“We appreciate the public’s continued vigilance and cooperation as we respond to these challenges.”

If anyone has knowledge of the incidents and who was responsible or has reported seeing any suspicious activity relating to them, please contact Bury St Edmunds police, quoting the relevant crime number.

Website – https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

Phone – Call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org