IN PICTURES: Dozens of firefighters tackle huge blaze at Wednesfield school caused by arson attack

The fire is believed to have started after vandals accessed the flat roof of St Alban's Primary in Ashmore Park, and set fire to a disused water tank stuffed with combustibles, sending thick plumes of black smoke pouring into the sky.

Dozens of firefighters battled to control the blaze as it rapidly spread.

Wolverhampton City Council today confirmed that the inferno was caused by an arson attack.

Eyewitnesses said flames could be seen coming from the roof of the school, in St Alban's Close.

Eight fire engines were called to the blaze which happened at about 8.15pm.

It was believed to have spread through the school hall into surrounding corridors.

Detective Inspector Mark Rushton, from Wolverhampton police station, said: "This crime has struck at the heart of the community, depriving local children of their education.

"The disruption this has caused to parents, pupils and staff is astounding and we are determined to catch the culprits.

"CCTV has been reviewed, people have been spoken with and the site has been examined by forensic experts who are piecing together the clues."

Wednesfield ward councillor Phil Bateman spoke of his shock as he watched the drama unfold.

Councillor Bateman, whose wife Mary is a governor at the school, said: "The school is being ravaged by fire and the whole community can see the flames coming out of the building.

"It's a very, very serious event and we will have to wait see what happens from now on."

He added: "Residents have been phoning us to tell us about the fire, and there is a lot of shock.

"This is a drama that the community can do without at the moment and I am quite sure the school will be communicating with parents about what will happen to their children's lessons."

A hydraulic platform was also used to tackle the fire from above as the fierce blaze took hold at the school, which has 128 pupils.

Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "This was a mindless act of arson which could have put lives at risk.

"It has not only disrupted education and learning for more than 100 of our young people, but has also caused a great deal of distress to pupils, parents and teachers.

"Our number one focus is on ensuring continuity of education for the pupils, and officers and engineers from the council are working hard with staff from St Albans to ensure the school can reopen as soon as possible, even if access to some parts of the building may have to be restricted.

"In the meantime we are actively working with other local schools to identify what alternative provision can be made available for pupils next week."

Nathan Cleary, a freelance photographer, was at the scene just minutes after the fire broke out.

He said: "I used to go to that school so it was shocking to see what was happening.

"It was really bad - the flames were going through the roof.

"It looked like it was spreading from the school hall into the corridors and it must have done a lot of damage."

Residents took to social media to express their shock. Laura Christine Reynolds-Ansell said on Facebook: "What a shame if its bad may be we should look into using all available halls and possible use of old community hall to keep these kids learning."

Carol Chilton added: "Dreadful!! See flames from back of our house. Gutted for the staff and pupils, very sad."

The school has been temporarily closed.

Anyone with information is urged to call police the on 101, or alternatively leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.