CLASSROOMS used for children with special needs have been destroyed in an arson attack only weeks after vandals caused £60,000 of damage.

Fire broke out in the specialist unit of St Peter's Catholic College of Maths and Computing, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, early on Sunday.

At the height of the blaze, five fire engine crews tackled the flames after vandals broke in and started fires.

Damage was caused to the Herlingshaw Suite for children with special educational needs, while an art room and the school's chapel were also badly hit.

Headteacher Gavin Salvesen-Sawh said he was devastated by the attack, the second in only a matter of weeks, but hoped pupils would be able to return today.

Mr Salvesen-Sawh said: "They have smashed doors and vandalised school equipment in both rooms, as well as starting two fires in the special educational needs office.

"We are just totally devastated, particularly on the back of the damage we suffered in the summer holiday. We are totally shell-shocked at what happened. It made us feel sick.

"It is going to be out of action for some months. There is possibly structural damage, too, and it may have to be totally gutted.

"The intruders also got into other areas of the school, but did not start any other fires, although there is smoke and dust affecting the whole school."

He said the fire brigade and police were investigating the incident, with CCTV being examined.

Grangetown Fire Station watch manager Steve Owens said the fire was being treated as suspicious, and that there were signs of forced entry.

Last month, £60,000 worth of damage was caused when vandals trashed classrooms and stole computers.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council leader Councillor George Dunning said: "It is senseless vandalism. We are determined, along with the police and the local community, to stamp out this type of criminal activity. To achieve that, we need the community's help to catch those responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to call 01642-326326.