Teen arrested over explosion

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged over an explosion that ripped through Hay War Memorial High School in July last year.Police said the youth was arrested at 9am yesterday and taken to Hay Police Station, where he was interviewed and charged with aggravated breaking and entering and committing a serious indictable offence.He was released on conditional bail to appear at Hay Children’s Court on July 7. Police said the school’s science and library building suffered more than $5 million worth of damage in the explosion which occurred about 2.30am on July 3, 2007.Police said soon after the explosion that it was most likely caused by a large build-up of gas and a sudden ignition.Investigations into the fire by local detectives, with the assistance of the State Crime Command Arson Squad, revealed the explosion was an act of arson.Detective Sergeant Miles Rogers of Deniliquin police said the event had affected many people in the community.“Debris from the explosion, including a solid external door, travelled some 50 metres off the block, and neighbouring homes and shops had windows broken,” Detective Sergeant Rogers said.“I would like to express my thanks to members of the local community, who came forward to assist police in this matter.”Hay shire mayor Michael Rutledge said the announcement was great news for the town.