HIGH school pupils have been asked if they know anything about an arson attack.

And the acting head said children connected with the school could not be ruled out as culprits.

Investigations were today continuing into the blaze at Moorhead High School's Queen's Road West annex, Accrington.

The fire gutted an office and spread smoke around the building.

Arsonists are thought to have lit the curtains and paper in the office after breaking a window.

Fire crews spent much of Monday evening there to ensure the smoke was cleared.

Lessons carried on as normal yesterday, although both staff and pupils were said to be shocked.

Acting headteacher Joan Hayselden said: "We have asked pupils in assembly to tell us if they know anything about what has happened.

"Although it would be nice to believe the fire was started by people with no connection with the school, we cannot rule it out. The police are letting us deal with the investigations inside the school.

"I hope anyone with any information comes forward."

Moorhead has been previously targeted by arsonists. Petrol bombs were pushed into classrooms on two occasions two years ago, while part of the school was torched in 1997.

The incident comes just a week before the school hosts its annual open evening for prospective pupils from Accrington's primary schools. Mrs Hayselden added: "Although only the office has been damaged and we have lost no paperwork, it will have a knock-on effect all around.

"The member of staff who works in the office is very upset and we will now have spend some of our scant resources repairing the damage. Everyone here is very saddened and shocked by what has happened. I can think of no reason why someone would want to set fire to the school.

"It causes us a lot of problems and money which should have been spent on the extension we are having to divert for repairs.

"It is distressing for all concerned."

Building work has just started at Moorhead to bring the school on to one site. Currently, it is split between the former girls' high school and boys' grammar school buildings on Cromwell Avenue and Queens Road West.