Firebugs target schools

The blaze left the school burned out

A special school near Glasgow has suffered £500,000 damage in one of three school fires which police believe were started deliberately.

More than 20 fire fighters were called upon to tackle the flames at the height of the blaze at Kilpatrick School, Clydebank on Friday evening.

Frank Newall, education officer from West Dunbartonshire Council and Detective Sergeant John Dearie condemned and the culprits.

Mr Newall said: "Just looking around, I can say this is an absolute tragedy.

Equipment destroyed

"It is a school with specialist equipment for children with complex special needs and how we can replace the equipment is a real problem to us.

"Any fire at any school is a real problem and is an enormous loss to the community.

"But a fire at a special school is a true tragedy which is beyond measure."

The annexe at Kilpatrick School serves around 40 children and young adults with special needs.

Much of the equipment paid for by parents was destroyed.

Strathclyde fire fighters were also called out on Friday night when a blaze broke out at nearby St Andrew's High School.

A janitor had to be treated for smoke inhalation, but damage was limited to one classroom.

Appeal for information

Detective Inspector Keith Macdonald, the officer in charge of the of both incidents, said: "At this stage it is too early to say if the incidents are linked.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have any information regarding the fires to contact the incident room at Clydebank Police."

Meanwhile, a fire at a primary school in Easterhouse is also being treated as suspicious.

Three infant classrooms at St Clair's in Drumlanrig Avenue were destroyed following an outbreak of fire at1500BST on Friday.

Det Con Steven Adams, who is probing the blaze, appealed for information.

He said: "The classrooms which have been totally gutted by this reckless act look on to the school football pitches.

"I am anxious to trace anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the school to contact me at Easterhouse Police Office."