Explosion risk in school fire

Fire crews spent the night monitoring the cylinders

Vandals have been blamed for starting a fire at a school which burnt next to potentially-explosive gas cylinders.

Fire crews had to remain at Purbrook Park School, in Waterlooville, Hampshire, overnight to monitor the acetylene cylinders.

The fire started at 2000 GMT on Monday in a cupboard at the school and smouldered throughout the night.

The gas cylinders were being stored there for use in the technology department.

School closed

None of the gas cylinders caught light, but fire crews remained at the scene to ensure that there was no risk of explosion.

A spokesman for the fire service said the fire itself was "quite small" and brought under control easily.

The school remained closed on Tuesday.

It had been closed on Monday after its heating system failed.

The school is due to reopen on Wednesday morning.