School fire cause still unknown

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Fire investigators have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of a blaze which destroyed part of a Derby school.

The damage at the 1,000-pupil Sinfin Community School will cost more than £10m to repair.

The inquiry has determined the fire started in a first floor store room, next to the drama hall where smoke was first spotted on Wednesday night.

Det Sgt Gary Tomlinson said he is keeping an open mind about the cause and has not ruled out arson.

Police are investigating claims that three people were seen running away from the site just before the fire took hold.

The fire spread across 23 classrooms, kitchens, two computer rooms and a lecture theatre.

GCSE English coursework was damaged and temporary classrooms will be brought in to accommodate pupils in the run up to exams.

The school will stay closed until Monday, but it is hoped some lessons will resume in other venues such as church halls.