A FIRE which ripped throuigh a primary school last night -  barely an hour after pupils had been enjoying a Valentine’s disco - was started deliberately, police have said.

Parents and children have been devastated by a fire at Burnside Primary School on Mendip Terrace, South Stanley, which was forced to close after the blaze swept through two classrooms.

It has now been established that a small fire was started deliberately between 7.30 and 8.10pm last night.

Police said it is not believed the person who started the fire intended to cause damage to the main building, butit spread into a small room which caused further smoke damage to a classroom.

Det Insp Gavin Heckles, who is leading the investigation said: “The police and the school are keen to work with the neighbouring community to identify who caused the fire.

"We are keen to speak with parents or children who may know what happened. The individual or individuals responsible will be treated fairly in the hope that they can be educated and any fire like this is prevented in the future.”

Three fire engines attended the incident after receiving a call shortly before 8.30pm.

Parent Lyndsay Clark said: “I was at my parents’ house when I heard the fire engines. I rushed to see and could not believe it.

“There were flames pouring out of the classroom below."

"The lower part of the building used to be the nursery, but is the Year Six class now. There doesn’t appear to be anything left of them. All their work would have been destroyed."

The main entrance is also damaged.

Miss Clark added: “I used to go to the school myself when I was younger. I feel absolutely gutted about it. My little girl Alexis who is in the reception class is devastated because she wanted to go to school.

“We are hoping they will be able to get it sorted out as soon as possible."

Katy Coulson Smith, of Let’s Party North East , who was hosting a Valentine'sDay disco party for the children last night, has set up a donor web page to help pupils replace equipment lost in the fire.

She said: "Only 45 minutes earlier the last of two parties left the building. When I heard about the fire I was absolutely shocked. I still cannot believe it.

“If it had started just an hour earlier it could have been a whole lot worse.”

Headteacher Lisa Armstrong indicated the school is likely to be closed for repairs for the rest of the week, but it is hoped will be back up and running as soon as possible.

Anyone with information or concerns about this incident is invited to attend a Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting which will be held at Burnside Resource Centre, Chiltern Gardens, South Stanley at 4.30pm tomorrow. Representatives from the police and council will be there to discuss any issues raised.

Meanwhile, anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111