ARSONISTS are being blamed for a fire at the former Immaculate Conception College in Derry.
Firefighters were called to the site at about 5am yesterday morning.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it was started deliberately.
The fire was "well-developed" in the gym area but was prevented it from spreading.
There are concerns about asbestos in the derelict building.
Immaculate Conception College, the last remaining Catholic secondary school on Derry's Waterside, shut last summer.
It is understood there are plans to develop the site for housing and a community centre.
Community group Hillcrest House condemnded the attack, claiming it followed attacks on workmen at the site and acts of vandalism.
"Whilst this is going on and we are dealing with these attacks, we are trying to plan a summer programme in which we have over 200 young people registered, Hooley on the Hill, the opening of Rose Court park and the new community hub," a statement on facebook read.
"All positive activities for our community, and this behaviour and destruction is casting a negative light and could impact on these services being delivered. This site is being developed for badly needed new housing and a community centre these attacks are against us all as a community."
