Classrooms destroyed by suspected arson attack at Northumberland high school

Police are hunting a suspected arsonist, after four classrooms were destroyed in a Northumberland school.

On Thursday, a fire broke out at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy, in Bedlington, causing “substantial damage” to one classroom.

Officers investigating the fire now say they suspect it may have been set deliberately.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “The fire at St Benet Biscops High School, Ridge Terrace is being treated as arson.

“It happened at approximately 1.30am on Thursday, October 26, when substantial damage was caused to one classroom and spread to a second.”

Teachers say in total four classrooms were affected by the blaze.