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Electrical fault caused Otley school fire, investigation finds

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An investigation has determined that an electrical fault sparked Monday's fire at Otley Primary School, which required eight fire crews to tackle the blaze.

The latest: Fire investigators examining the Chapel Road school today concluded that an electrical fault started the fire in a toilet area before spreading to the roof.

Otley Primary School toilets damaged by fire
An investigation has determined that an electrical fault in the toilets sparked Monday's fire at Otley Primary SchoolWoodbridge Fire Station

What happened: The fire broke out in a toilet area at the school at around 15:30 on Monday afternoon before spreading to the roof, prompting a major emergency response. Eight fire engines and one aerial ladder platform were deployed in total. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the school remains shut.

Bottom line: The investigation has clarified the cause, though further details about the specific nature of the electrical fault have not yet been released. It is unknown when the school will reopen.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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DanceEast

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

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