EDUCATION officials are looking at alternative premises to house pupils of a primary school devastated in an arson attack.

Large parts of the single-storey Dunn Street Primary School, in Minster Parade, Jarrow, South Tyneside, were destroyed in a blaze early on Sunday, and the school site has been closed down.

The main school, which has 162 pupils and a nursery unit with 22 pupils, will be out of use for the rest of the week while alternative arrangements are being made.

Several options are being considered as a contingency.

Parents will be kept informed of developments and will be invited to a meeting at the Jarrow Community Association, at 2pm on Thursday.

Police confirmed last night that the fire was being treated as arson.

Anyone with information is urged to call 0191-454 7555, extension 65144.