School counts cost of devastating blaze

Blue tarpaulin has been erected to protect the roof of a Wolverhampton school badly damaged in an arson attack.

This aerial picture shows the extent of the damage at Elston Hall Primary School in Fordhouses, following the ferocious fire.

The blaze started in the roof of the school. More than 100 residents watched in horror as the flames spread. It is believed four classrooms, offices and the library, all damaged in the fire, could still be closed when the 482 pupils start the new term next month.

Pupils' work was lost in last Monday's attack, as were preparations teachers had made for the new school year.

Temporary classrooms may have to be brought in when term starts on September 6, but education chiefs have pledged to pull together to help get the school back on its feet. The school's website, www.elstonhall.co.uk will be updated with information.

An 11-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of arson has been bailed until next month.