Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with a huge fire that broke out at a school over the weekend.

Firefighters were dispatched to Highfield Priory School in Fulwood, Preston, at around 6.50pm on Saturday (October 15) and remained at the scene overnight.

Police were called in by the fire service at around 7.25pm. The blaze, which is being treated as suspicious, destroyed the nursery.

A spokesperson for Highfield Priory Day Nursery said: “The Highfield community is shocked and saddened by the senseless destruction of its nursery building.

Lancashire Telegraph: Nursery fire under investigation Nursery fire under investigation (Image: Fire service)

“The nursery school will move into the main school building for the foreseeable future and the school and nursery will be open as normal on Monday morning.

“Mr Duke would like to thank the Preston community for its kindness and generosity, with offers of books and toys for the children.

“He would also like to thank the emergency services who worked so tirelessly to bring the fire under control on Saturday night and to make the site safe for the children by Monday morning.”

Officers have now arrested four 14-year-old boys in connection with the investigation.

All four have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage – arson not endangering life and have been released on bail.

Detective inspector George Binns, of Preston CID, said: "While we have made a number of arrests, our investigation is very much ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or anyone who has information which could assist our enquiries to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting log number 1139 of October 15.