A school is “shocked” after a classroom was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack.
Carden Primary School in Brighton went up in flames at around 7.15pm last night.
Four fire engines attended the fire which left one classroom partially destroyed.
Two boys, aged 13 and 15, have been arrested on suspicion of arson.
Alistair McNair, chairman of governors at the school, told The Argus: “The school community and the community of Hollingbury and Patcham are shocked at the fire at Carden Primary School yesterday evening.
“It was severe, and will take time and effort to get over, but fortunately the fire was localised. It is still being investigated. One classroom at least was severely damaged.
“I'd like to thank the fire and police services for their quick action and especially residents for their quick reporting of the fire. It could have been so much worse, and it is clearly a relief that no one was hurt.”
The fire happened around two weeks after the school term finished.
Carden Primary School, in County Oak Avenue, is preparing to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Alistair McNair, who is also a Conservative councillor for Patcham and Hollingbury, said the school will look to fundraise to help repair any damage.
He added: “I want to stress that the school leadership team is already working closely with the local authority, who we have an excellent relationship with.
“The local community is very close-knit and people have already started to think about fundraising and rebuilding. We are all up for the challenge.
“It is the school's 75th anniversary this coming academic year, and while it may be challenging this fire will give the whole community an even greater reason to come together and help rebuild an even better school.”
Sussex Police are appealing for any CCTV footage, doorbell or dashcam footage from surrounding roads.
A spokesman said: "A lot of people are thought to have been in the area at the time and police are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened, or who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the vicinity before or after the fire started.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting serial 1271 of 07/08.
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