Pupils of fire-damaged school learn future

Police are working with the Arson Task Force

Parents of pupils at a South Tyneside school damaged by fire are due to be told about plans for the future of their education.

A large part of Dunn Street Primary, in Jarrow, was wrecked in the blaze in the early hours of Sunday.

After investigations, police said they were treating it as arson.

The Beacon status school has been closed since the fire.

A public meeting is being held on Thursday afternoon when South Tyneside Local Education Authority will tell parents where the 170 children will be taught.

The fire destroyed a number of classrooms and the school hall.

Other parts were badly damaged by smoke.

Police are appealing for more information and said they have no definite idea about the cause.

Opposition march

Detective Ian Dawes said: "At this stage we have no direct information and we are keeping an open mind.

"The Arson Task Force team is involved and we are using their expertise and knowledge of the local area and people they have had through their hands to assist in identifying who the offenders could be."

It has only been two months since the school escaped closure as part of a major reorganisation of schools in the area.

It came after parents campaigned and held a march to show their strong opposition to the plans to shut the school.