POLICE were today probing a £6,000 fire at Tavistock Primary School which officers believe may have been arson.

Fire crews and police officers from Tavistock were called to the school at around 3.30pm yesterday (Monday) after reports of smoke coming from the area.

Detectives say a wooden structure believed to be pavilion on the school grounds was completely destroyed despite attempts by fire crews to save it.

Det Cons Louise Hodge said the fire is suspected to be the result of arson and added: ’The large wooden structure which cost £6,000 to construct is used daily by the primary school children and has been completely destroyed so will have a significant impact on the children when they return to school next week.

’The structure sits under trees which were planted as a memorial to the events in Dunblane in 1996 and these also caught alight but thankfully were able to be saved by the speedy attendance and actions of the local fire crew.’

Police are appealing for witnesses and information regarding the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police or Crimestoppers quoting crime reference CR/075235/21.