A primary school was damaged after a 'suspicious fire' broke out last night.

Firefighters from across Nelson, Burnley and Colne were called to Marsden Community Primary School in Percy Street, Nelson, at around 8pm.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A fire service spokesman said an outbuilding had been set on fire.

Lancashire County Cllr Azhar Ali was at the scene and saw the firefighters tackle the blaze.

He said: "It is absolutely disgusting someone has set fire to a school which is embedded into this community and does a fantastic job.

"I spoke with firefighters who said the fire was started in the playground.

"It has caused considerable damage to the area and has even melted windows on the school.

"I believe the school will be open but staff will make a decision as to which classrooms will be used.

"Funding for schools is stretched as it is and this sort of behaviour is entirely unacceptable and it is the last thing the school needs."

A fire service spokesman said the fire was of "suspicious origin" and the police were called to the scene.