Suspicious fire at third school

The scene of a previous arson attack at Widey School

Police are investigating a third suspicious fire at a Plymouth school.

Devon Fire and Rescue Service was called to Morice Town Primary School in Charlotte Street, Devonport, just after 1500 GMT on Sunday, after residents reported smelling smoke.

The school was empty and only minor damage was caused.

It is the third Sunday in a row that a Plymouth school has been targeted by arsonists.

'Banging noises'

A police spokesman said: "We received reports of banging noises and the smell of smoke in the vicinity of the school and a small fire was found in the school building.

"It is of doubtful origin and we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

The previous weekend a mobile classroom and a shed containing play equipment were destroyed in two separate fires at Widey Court Primary School.

Seven days before that, more than £100,000 worth of damage was caused to a temporary classroom block at St Boniface College.

Firefighters managed to stop the blaze spreading to the main school building.

It was the fifth time the college had been vandalised in two months.