PUPILS could get an extra week of holiday after arsonists targeted a school using a lager bottle filled with flammable liquid.

The fire at Mount Carmel RC High School, Accrington, damaged a staff room, toilets and a computer service room.

Officials said the damage to the school's computer administration system and the health and safety issues while repair work is carried out mean that the school will not be able to re-open on Monday.

Two fire-engines were called to Wordsworth Road at 12.40am on Sunday after the school's automatic fire alarm went off.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to enter the building and found flammable liquid had been poured into a ventilation fan next to a window and set alight.

A lager bottle containing flammable liquid was alight outside the school.

The fire destroyed comp-uter equipment storing pupil's contact details and staff do not have back-up copies.

Lancashire County Council will be contacting parents.

A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said it would take a few days to clear the damage.

Industrial action is planned on Thursday, so pupils may not return until Monday April 21.

Det Sgt Mark Vaughton, of Blackburn CID, said: "We are treating the fire as suspicious and our inquiries are ongoing."

To help call police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.