DISTRAUGHT pupils and parents watched as a blaze ripped through their beloved primary school in an arson attack.

The fire at Shinewater Primary School started in the early hours of yesterday morning and at the height of the blaze more than 60 firefighters were battling the flames.

Crews battled the fire at the school in Milfoil Drive, Langney, for at least five hours.

Classrooms for Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 pupils were destroyed and the rest of the empty building was severely damaged but no-one was hurt, council officers and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.

A 14-year-old boy remained in police custody last night after being arrested on suspicion of arson while both the fire service and Sussex Police investigated.

Resident Peter Allen, whose daughter still attends the Eastbourne school, was among those who watched as smoke billowed out of the building and flames stripped treasured drawings and work from the walls.

The 45-year-old, who lives near the school, said: "It was about 1.15am and a friend texted me saying the school was on fire. I couldn't hear any sirens or smell anything so went up there to check, then I saw the flashing lights and the smoke and flames.

"Three of my daughters used to go there and my ten-year-old Francesca still does. She was asleep at the time and I told her what happened. I don't think it had sunk in. But we were all quite upset afterwards. They kept saying to me that all the drawings and pictures on the walls would be destroyed.

"I didn't sleep all night as I was trying to make sure everyone knew what had happened.

"I saw the headteacher up at the school and she looked very upset. There is a lot of memories for everyone at that school."

Fire engines from Eastbourne, Hailsham, Herstmonceux, Pevensey, Bexhill, Seaford, Bohemia Rd Hastings, Battle and Heathfield, a water carrier from Uckfield and fire officers attended with crews staying on the scene until at least 6am.

Stuart Gallimore, East Sussex County Council's director of children’s services, said alternative arrangements for the children were being made but his first priority was their safety.

He said: "This has been an upsetting incident for everyone concerned with the school but we’re thankful that no-one has been hurt and we’d like to thank the fire service who have worked through the night to tackle the blaze and its aftermath. We will continue to keep parents informed of the situation as it develops in the coming days.”

The school will be closed until further notice but governors and staff were unavailable for comment yesterday.

The fire service asked people to avoid the area while the investigation continues.

Any witnesses to how the fire started or information on anyone involved should call police on 101 quoting 0033 of 12/10.