A NINE-YEAR-OLD child who deliberately set fire to several wheelie bins near a Mount Gambier school yesterday morning will not be reported for the offence due to falling under the age of criminal responsibility.
Emergency services were called to Heath Street near Mount Gambier North Primary School around 1am on Wednesday after a cyclist spotted the bins on fire.
On arrival, police located two wheelie bins which had been completely destroyed and a further two bins partially melted.
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Phil Hoff said emergency services personnel were clearly able to identify the fire had been deliberately lit.
“Our officers made some enquiries and as a result, a nine-year-old boy admitted to lighting the fire,” Supt Hoff said.
Supt Hoff said the boy could not be charged due to being under the age of criminal responsibility.
It is the second arson incident in the area this year after a maintenance shed at the primary school was destroyed in February.
Supt Hoff said deliberately lit fires were frustrating and dangerous.
“Fire is such an unpredictable element, especially when it is in the hands of immature young individuals,” he said.
“What can seem like a bit of mischief can quickly escalate into a catastrophic incident where lives could be lost or significant property damage could occur.”
Anyone who notices any suspicious or criminal activity should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
