The grounds of Broome Regional Prison.
Camera IconThe grounds of Broome Regional Prison. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Escaped prisoner charged over school fire

Staff WriterNorth Coast Times

POLICE say it could cost between $3 million and $5 million dollars to repair Broome Primary School after an alleged arson attack there yesterday.

Police have charged a female escapee from Broome Regional Prison over the incident.

About 1.55pm yesterday, a fire was found inside a cell at the prison.

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The fire was contained within one cell and extinguished, causing damage to furniture and property within the cell.

At the same time a 22-year-old female detainee escaped from the prison.

Police resources were deployed to search for the escapee.

Just after 4.00pm Police were alerted to a fire at the Broome Primary School.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services attended the school and extinguished the fire.

An initial estimate suggests the fire caused $3-5million worth of damage, however the extent of the damage is still being assessed and the initial estimate may be subject to change.

The nearby Broome Hospital was partially evacuated due to risks associated with the smoke from the fire.

About 8.20pm the prison escapee was located at a caravan park in Broome and was arrested without incident.

Police alleged the woman was responsible for both fires, and that the fires were lit to aid her escape.

The 22-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire and escaping lawful custody.

She is due to appear in the Broome Magistrates Court today.