THREE teenagers have been arrested by detectives investigating a suspected arson attack which caused severe damage at an infant school in North Yorkshire.

The alarm was raised at Saltergate Infant School in Harrogate around 8.30pm on Monday evening when flames were spotted coming from the early years outdoor centre which is attached to the school.

Headteacher Linda Mortimer told parents on the school website there had been an attempted break in and suspected arson attack. She added: "It was purely due to the vigilance of members of the local community that the fire service personnel and police were on site soon after these attacks, our grateful thanks for their efforts in dangerous circumstances.

"Although the severe damage to the early years outdoor area is heart breaking, it could have been so much worse if the fire had extended to the school buildings.

"I am of course, deeply saddened that anyone should wish to destroy an area designed and made for young children embarking on their journey in education.

"We thank you for your support and offers of help. It means such a lot to the staff and governors to know that our community is ready and willing to 'get to work' to make the school site safe for our children."

The school is not due to reopen until after the half term on June 4. North Yorkshire police appealed for information following the fire.

A spokesperson said two boys aged 13 and 15 had been arrested a short time after the blaze was reported. A third boy aged 16 was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The two younger boys have been released pending investigations, the 16 year old is still being questioned in custody.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said two hose reels were used to put out the fire and stop it spreading to the main school building. They said the cause is believed to have been deliberate.

  • Anyone with information call 101 and as for Harrogate Investigation Hub or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote incident number 12190095568.