Mayor appeals to find vandals who set fire to school

ALCESTER Mayor Jim Kenyon has urged the public to come forward with information after arsonists attacked a primary school in the town on Friday.

Mr Kenyon said residents should not be afraid to shop the culprits who destroyed a mobile classroom at St Nicholas School, in St Faith's Road.

Fire crews from Alcester and Studley wore breathing masks to fight the flames but were unable to save the building, one of a number of temporary classrooms on the site.

It is thought the arsonists piled books in the centre of the building before setting them alight.

The latest incident followed attacks by vandals at the same school in the Easter holidays and a number of other fires at community buildings in recent years.

"Someone knows who's doing this," said Mr Kenyon.

"And I would appeal to them to show some community spirit and help us get these people into the hands of the police before they kill someone.

"It's an absolute disgrace.

"If anyone knows anything please pass on the information to the police so we can crack down on this. It has got to be stopped."

Governor and former town mayor, Wendy Weatherhead, said she was devastated by the latest attack.

She said: "I'm heartbroken for the staff, and especially for the headteacher Sally Staley, who have all worked so very hard to accomplish what they have.

"Someone has got to know who was out there at that time of the morning, if not their parents, their mates.

"Someone knows who's doing these things."

Mrs Staley has reassured parents and pupils that the school will reopen as planned for the autumn term.

"The fire was a very sad occurrence but it will not stop us continuing with the school's activities.

"We lost a lot of resources stored in the classroom but we will be able to replace these through our insurance ready for the start of the new school year on Tuesday, September 6."

Police are investigating the fire which happened at 5.45am.

Witnesses can call police on 01789 762207.