A SMOKE-LOGGED school has been forced to close for a week after arsonists set a classroom on fire causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Firefighters believe something was thrown through a classroom window at St Stephen's Infants, Little Harwood, Blackburn, and are waiting for the results of forensic tests.

The blaze was discovered yesterday by caretaker Allan Livesey and the school will now reopen after the half-term holidays on June 2.

Headteacher Elizabeth Fenwick said: "It's left us devastated. I don't believe there are words to describe the people who could do this to a school.

"The pupils in that class have lost a whole year's work and I am sure they will be upset when they see what has happened to their classroom.

"This is a children's school and we are being forced to turn them away, but there is smoke in the air and we cannot bring them into that sort of environment."

Mrs Fenwick joined members of Blackburn Fire Brigade in praising Mr Livesey for his quick-thinking.

Station officer Tom Davies said: "The caretaker did a very good job in keeping the door closed. If he hadn't done what he did we could have been looking at something far worse. "The school should also be praised for their fire safety precautions. The fire was smouldering in that classroom for some hours and by the time we got there it was very hot but because all the doors were closed it didn't spread."

St Stephen's was flooded with calls from concerned parents and health and safety officials have closed the

building until it is safe to use again. Industrial cleaners have been called in for the clean-up.

Mrs Fenwick added: "These people should know that they haven't beaten us.

"The staff here have moved their desks outside and are continuing with their work.

"As soon as it is safe for the children to come back we will reopen and we have the space to accommodate everyone.

"I really do not know what motivates people to do things like this."

Police are investigating the blaze which they are treating as suspicious.

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