CHILDREN’S play equipment has been destroyed following a suspected arson attack at a primary school.

A wooden shed is believed to have been set on fire in the grounds of Bournmoor Primary School, near Chester-le-Street, between 9pm and 10pm, on Thursday.

The shed was completely burnt to the ground, destroying all of the children’s play equipment inside, as well as damaging surrounding trees.

The cost of the damage has been estimated at £3,000 and the school has now started a fundraising page to replace it.

The fire is a suspected arson.

PC Liam Norris said: “This is a serious incident and although no one was injured, it has caused significant upset to both the children and staff who are now faced with raising the funds for a replacement shed.

“If you know who is responsible get in touch with us immediately so we can bring the culprits to justice.”

The fundraising page, set up by Claire Evans, has already topped £1,100.

She said: “This is incredible in just 12 hours the generosity of such a small community is all is overwhelming. The children will be filled with joy and happiness when they can have new toys to play with again. From the bottom of my heart and also from of the children at the school who were so sad on the yard this morning thank you to you all.”

Fundraising is ongoing. Visit https://bit.ly/2X9yEOi

Anyone with information can call 101 and quote incident number 461 of June 27 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.