AT least 60 firefighters battled a blaze at a primary school for hours this morning. 

Crews were called to Shinewater Primary School, Milfoil Drive, in Langney, Eastbourne, just before 1am, to a fire which ripped through the ground floor, first floor and roof of the building. 

At the height of the blaze, fire engines from Eastbourne, Hailsham, Herstmonceux, Pevensey, Bexhill, Seaford, Bohemia Rd Hastings, Battle and Heathfield, a water carrier from Uckfield and fire officers attended.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service began to scale back crews just before 4am but at least four crews remained at the scene just before 6am.

The building was empty so no-one needed to be evacuated and there were no casualties. 

The fire service and Sussex Police have launched a joint investigation.

People are asked to avoid the area while the investigation continues.

At around 9am a police spokesman said the fire was believed to have been started deliberately and no arrests had yet been made. 

Just after 11am police said a 14-year-old boy from Eastbourne has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in police custody.