A DERELICT Blackburn school was targeted in a suspected arson attack.

A fire took hold on the roof of a nursery building of the former Highercroft Primary School, Blackburn, just after 4pm on Saturday.

It took firefighters over an hour to get it under control.

The former Fishmoor Drive school has been derelict since it closed due to dwindling pupil numbers in December.

The crews managed to stop the blaze from spreading, but damage was caused to the roof and ceiling insulation.

Crew manager John Leach said: "It was started deliberately either by someone getting onto the roof or something being thrown at the roof - as yet it is too early to say."

Inspector Graham Ashcroft of Blackburn Police said: "After discussions with the fire service we have launched an investigation into the fire and urge anyone with information and witnesses to come forward." The school's closure came after 27 years serving pupils in the community.

Blackburn with Darwen Council education bosses recommended the school should be shut after seeing its pupil numbers drop from 199 to under 100 in four years.

The borough's school organisation committee - made up of representatives from the council, school governors, religious sectors and educational bodies - rubber-stamped the closure, despite a 1,500 signature petition against the plans.

Council bosses have not yet revealed what their plans are for future of the building.