Dundee City Council told the Tele this afternoon they now plan to demolish the building on public safety grounds following an extensive inspection today.

Council administration leader Councillor Kevin Keenan said the inferno caused so much damage there was no other option but to tear the building down.

He said, “In light of the extensive damage to the building, I have asked that it be demolished as soon as possible.

“It was already earmarked to come down, but our engineers have carried out an inspection, which shows the building is in a dangerous condition and should be demolished quickly.

“Once contractors have been arranged, it is expected the work will be carried out within a matter of days.”

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and a report sent to the procurator fiscal.

However, officers are understood to be looking for others in connection with the incident.

Large plumes of smoke billowed out of the building across the east end of the city after the fire broke out around 8.50pm.

By the time fire crews arrived, the assembly hall was already well alight.

The blaze was the second fire in a month at a former school in the city, with Macalpine Road Primary School also being set alight.

Local councillors and residents have called for stepped-up security at these disused sites to ensure the safety of the local area and prevent further damage to community property.

A spokesman from Dundee City Council has urged parents to be aware of what their youngsters are doing.

He said, “The council takes seriously the issue of security at empty properties that it owns and this includes measures to try to prevent people getting access to them.

“We would appeal to parents to ensure that their children do not go near any of these properties, putting themselves and others in danger. People can help by alerting the police if they see anything suspicious at any empty properties.”

Tayside Fire and Rescue watch manager Fraser Raitt said setting deliberate fires in empty buildings puts lives at risk.

“People who start these fires are obviously causing a great deal of damage. They are also taking a huge risk to themselves, as they could end up seriously hurt or at worst, killing themselves.”

East End councillor Christina Roberts said, “You are always shocked when something like this happens and you are always glad nobody was hurt,” she said.

“We really do have to be looking at the security aspects if kids are getting into these old buildings. Somebody could be killed – it is just so dangerous.

“Tayside Fire and Rescue have taken part in projects with kids in school trying to get them involved with and aware of what firefighters do.

“It is a great idea to try to deter kids from setting fires as they can see what is involved and what has to be done to stop a fire.”

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Tayside Police on 0845 6005705, or speak to any officer.