CALLS for sprinklers in more schools have been reignited after an arson attack.

The National Union of Teachers believe water systems could help tackle the risk of fire in schools, after the blaze in Shinewater Primary School, Eastbourne, on Monday.

Just five schools in the East Sussex County Council area are currently fitted with the system which firefighters say can isolate and even extinguish blazes in some cases.

The news comes after Phil Howson, chairman of East Sussex Fire Authority, last year called on the Government to enforce laws so sprinklers had to be installed in all new buildings, big properties and where there is a significant risk to life and property.

He said: "Sprinklers can significantly help reduce death and injury from fire, reduce risk for firefighters, protect property and heritage and reduce the effects of arson. The greatest impact of installing fire sprinklers is likely to occur in schools, residential care homes, premises housing highly vulnerable residents and certain large commercial properties."

Council leader Keith Glazier said all schools are required to follow Department of Education fire safety guidelines and sprinklers may not always be the answer.

He said they were expensive and difficult to fit in older schools but can be used if there is a cost effective solution.

A blaze ripped through Shinewater Primary School, in Milfoil Drive, Langney, in the early hours of the morning and a 14-year-old boy was later arrested on suspicion of arson.

At its height, 60 firefighters were called from ten stations across the county to tackle the flames. They remained on the scene between 1am and 5.30pm and an investigation into the cause of the fire was launched.

Around half the teaching areas had been destroyed including Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 classrooms. The rest of the empty building was severely damaged but no-one was hurt.

The Eastbourne teenager was released on bail until January after being questioned by police.

Headteacher Theresa Buttery said: "Our focus now is to ensure we can get the younger children back into the non-damaged areas of the school as quickly as possible and find alternative provision for the older children."

MP Caroline Ansell said the town was "rallying together" with offers of help from churches and other schools.

A group of parents organised a charity event and nearly £200 was raised in an appeal in less than 24 hours.

The school will be closed until further notice but alternative arrangements are being made as soon as possible.

Nearby Shinewater Sports Centre was also closed temporarily because the fire cut off its water supply.

People are asked 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.