Teenage girls arrested over Bolton primary school fire

Image source, GMFRS

Image caption, Three classrooms were completely gutted by the fire

Two 14-year-old girls have been arrested on suspicion of arson over a fire which destroyed part of a school.

The blaze broke out at Red Lane Community Primary School in Bolton at about 13:45 BST on Sunday.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said "several young people" were seen near the school at the time.

Det Sgt Rob Parker said "deliberately targeting" a school was "completely reckless and I am just thankful that no-one has been hurt".

Image source, GMFRS

Image caption, The fire service said eight crews were sent to deal with the blaze

He added that damage to the building was "extensive" and some parts, including three classrooms, had been left "completely unusable".

The school was empty at the time of the attack and is currently closed for the half-term break.

A fire service spokesman said eight crews had been sent to the blaze and their "prompt action" had meant a "large portion" of the school was "untouched by fire damage".

The teenage girls have since been released under investigation.

Image source, GMFRS

Image caption, The "prompt action" of firefighters saved large parts of the school, the fire service said