ACT Policing responded to reports of a fire at Miles Franklin Primary School in Evatt on Friday evening 29 October, which caused extensive damage to playground equipment and shade areas.

Police believe the fire was deliberately lit by a group of youths about 5.45pm, and additional reports have since been received suggesting the same youths had been prevented from lighting a fire at St. Monica’s Primary School about half an hour earlier.

Several witnesses observed the youths in the area at the time, and police are releasing descriptions of four persons of interest to identify them.

All four male youths are described as being of Caucasian appearance.

The first youth was approximately 182-187cm (6’-6’2”) tall, of solid build, and was wearing a bright yellow hooded jumper. He had one arm in a black sling and may have been wearing white shorts.

The second and third youths were a bit shorter, about 177-182cm (5’10-6’) tall and wearing dark clothing.

The fourth youth was shorter again, approximately 172cm (5’8”) tall and wearing a cap.

Police are asking anyone operating CCTV cameras or a dash-cam in the area around the schools on Friday afternoon to check their system to see if it captured footage of the group.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6946721. Information can be provided anonymously.

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