POLICE have spoken to four children who have admitted starting a fire at a North-East primary school at the weekend.

It follows a blaze in a bin compound at Annfield Plain Infant School, near Stanley, on Saturday at teatime.

Three boys, aged 12, 13 and 14, from the Annfield Plain area, and one girl aged 13, from South Stanley, voluntarily attended Stanley police station today (Wednesday, March 25) to admit their involvement in the incident.

It is understood the main culprit will be referred to the Youth Offending Service, which will determine whether he is to appear before a youth court.

Staff and members of the community helped clear up the mess on Sunday so the school could be open for pupils on Monday.

Detective Inspector Gavin Heckles said: “The children came forward after one of their parents saw an appeal to try and trace them and contacted police.

“They have all admitted their involvement in the fire and we will be dealing with them by way of a restorative approach involving the police, the school, the youth offending service and the fire service.

“One of the young boys involved will be referred to the youth offending service.”

Earlier this week police and firefighters launched a pilot scheme, fitting locks to wheelie bins to deter people from setting them alight to reassure residents action is being taken following a spate of arsons in the area.

DI Heckles said: “We are very aware that deliberate fires are a significant cause for concern for people in and around Stanley.”