POLICE are appealing to three skateboarders seen near a primary school just before it was attacked by arsonists to come forward.

Darlington police officers believe the youths could hold vital information about the blaze, which caused extensive damage to Middleton St George Primary School last Wednesday.

Officers were at the school during the weekend as investigations continued with the fire brigade into the cause of the blaze.

A police spokesman said: "We would like to speak to the skateboarders in case they saw anything which would help our investigation. We have already spoken to a lot of people, but there are some people who are unaccounted for."

The spokesman went on to thank the people of Middleton St George for their help with the investigation, including children in the village who have been speaking to the police about problems in the area and pledging their support to the investigation.

Pupils from the village are expected to return to school next Monday when they take up temporary residence at the former Firthmoor Primary School, in nearby Darlington.

The school was closed earlier this year when pupils were moved to another building in the same area.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman confirmed last night that Middleton St George pupils would be moved back to their school as soon as possible.

He said: "We are looking at different measures - probably having classrooms in temporary cabins on the school site - but at this stage it is too early to say what exactly will happen."

The fire, which destroyed the hall and several classrooms, is thought to have started when newspapers placed under the eaves of the roof were set alight.

Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington CID on (01325) 742155.