ARSONISTS have struck again at a derelict former Darwen high school which has been plagued by intruders.

The fire service were alerted at 8pm on Tuesday to the old Darwen Moorland High School in Holden Fold.

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Two fire crews from the town tackled the school building first floor blaze.

Fire officers donned brea-thing apparatus as the interior was smoke-logged.

The latest incident comes just weeks after safety fears were raised after a previous attack on the premises by firebugs.

Campaigners said more needed to be done after tables and chairs were dragged out of the building and set on fire last month.

An application has been submitted to demolish the old Knowles County Secondary Modern building.

Sgt Dave Sherrington, of Darwen Police, said officers are working alongside Blackburn with Darwen Council to improve security on the site.

He said: “It is a magnet for kids and it needs sorting out before somebody gets seriously hurt. We are working with the local council to try to get it dealt with as soon as possible, but it is very difficult and it is taking a long time. We are warning people to stay away because of the dangers.

“Because of the blind corridors and sealed-off areas somebody is likely to get trapped and there is the danger of serious injury or worse.”

Sgt Sherrington said his officers had been called to the site on numerous occasions, with the incidents mainly involving teenagers.

Sudell ward councillor Roy Davies said: “The sooner the school is knocked down the better.”