A FIRE at a primary school in Bordon has been labelled “suspicious”, with an appeal for witnesses now under way.

The blaze resulted in a wooden playhouse being damaged at Woodlea Primary School on Saturday.

A spokesman for Bordon Fire Station said the outbuilding was “well alight”, and described the circumstances as “suspicious.”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up by the school’s Parent Teacher Association, with donations close to the £800 target when the Herald went to print. They also set up a working party to clear the area.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers believe a fire was started on the Woodlea Primary School site while no-one was there, damaging fencing and the playhouse between 11.30am and 11.55am.

“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire.

“Officers investigating the damage are now keen to speak with anyone who may have seen anything suspicious at this time.”

Jo Mumford, headteacher at the school, said: “It was extremely sad to see the damage caused by the fire in our Early Years play area. Unfortunately, there was also further damage to our Early Years woodland setting and many resources down there were damaged and left broken, making the whole area unsafe for the children to play in.”

But she added they are “overwhelmed by the huge amount of support” from parents, staff and the community, and gave a “huge thank you” on behalf of the school to the fire service, police and community for their support.

*Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44200013004. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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