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The Beeches Primary School closed after overnight fire, expected to reopen tomorrow

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The Beeches Community Primary School in Ipswich has closed today following a fire that broke out on Tuesday night.

The fire is believed to have involved solar panels on the school's roof.

The big picture: Fire crews from three stations responded to the blaze, highlighting the seriousness of the incident and the coordinated emergency response in Ipswich.

Why it matters: The closure affects all pupils and comes at the start of the new school term, disrupting education and potentially causing childcare challenges for parents.

The Beeches Primary School
No damage was visible from the entrance of the schoolOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details:

  • Fire reported at 21:45 on Tuesday

  • 3 fire crews responded from Ipswich East, Princes Street and Needham Market

  • Fire officially extinguished by 23:03

  • School closed today but expected to reopen tomorrow pending safety assessments

What they're saying: The school's website states:

"Thank you to all families for your understanding following the fire at The Beeches last night. We are pleased to report that there is no internal damage to the school at all.

"We are currently conducting safety checks to ensure that the building is completely safe and at this stage we expect to be able to open the school to all pupils tomorrow, Thursday 5th September, as normal. Confirmation will be posted here later today."

What's next: School officials hope to reopen as soon as possible, pending the safety assessment results. Parents and guardians will receive further information.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police granted extra time to question teenager suspected of murdering Billy McNicholl

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Detectives investigating the death of William "Billy" McNicholl have been granted an additional 24 hours to question a teenage murder suspect. The extension was approved by Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Thursday 23 January.

Why it matters: The extension gives detectives crucial additional time to question the suspect in what has become a complex murder investigation involving multiple suspects.

The big picture: McNicholl, 63, known as Billy, was found dead at his Hawthorn Drive home on 1 January. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries and a stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

Latest developments:

  • After an initial 12-hour superintendent's extension, officers secured a warrant for a further 24 hours of questioning time.

  • The additional detention period will end on Friday 24 January.

  • The 17-year-old suspect has been held at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre since his arrest on Wednesday.

  • A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April.

Bottom line: Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, either through their Major Incident Portal or by calling 101.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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