Linden school arson suspect released over lack of evidence

One of the men suspected in Sunday’s torching of the One Mile Primary School, in Linden, has been released from police custody since there was no evidence to lay charges, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said yesterday.

Persaud had told Stabroek News on Monday that there was very little evidence against the man, while adding his description did not match that which had been given. He said too that the man lived near to the school and while it was on fire he visited the scene, where residents held him.

Around 3 am, the primary school was destroyed by men who stormed the compound and informed security guards on duty that they were in the “struggle,” according to acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, who said two men were arrested in connection with the arson.

It is unclear where the second man is but from all indications he too has been released by police.
It was reported that the men had bottles of gasoline in their possession and it was residents who apprehended the suspect and handed him over to a soldier.

The torching of the school building has resulted in some 830 students being dislocated ahead of the new school year, which begins next month.