Seating structure at Accrington primary school set on fire

Wooden seats at Spring Hill Primary, in Accrington, were torched on Sunday afternoon.

And firefighters say it appeared a child’s black sock had been used to cover a CCTV camera while the damage was done.

The culprits are believed to be aged as young as 11.

Firefighters say they believe four youngsters - three girls and a boy - aged between 11 and 13 are responsible.

Debris from the fire strewn on the floor at Spring Hill Primary School, Accrington (Image: LFRS)

The fire broke out at around 2pm on Sunday at the Exchange Street primary school.

And the damage caused to the seating structure will mean it is out of action for the children.

It is also thought any damage will cost thousands to put right.

A fire service spokesman said: “We were called to Spring Hill Primary School on Exchange Street.

“We found an outdoor structure on fire and a number of windows to the school had been mindlessly broken, along with a box containing toys and other resources.

“The CCTV camera had been covered by a child’s black sock.

“The damage will amount to several thousand pounds and the area is out of action for the children.”

Damage to the windows at Spring Hill Primary School, Accrington (Image: LFRS)

It is not thought anyone was injured as a result of the blaze.

But it is believed the police are now involved and are investigating the matter.

If anyone has any information, they can contact the police on 101, quoting log number 0178 of March 25. 

The fire service spokesman added: “A description of the vandals - four youngsters, aged approximately 11 to 13 years, three girls and one boy.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "This has been reported to us and it is under investigation."

A spokesperson for Spring Hill Primary School said that "investigations were ongoing".