A FIRE chief has warned that children could die in a derelict school used by youngsters as a play house if parents did not take action.

Station Officer Ron Carr made his prediction last night after crews put out two fires at the building in Walpole Street, Middlesbrough - one them started after a car was rammed into a wall.

With only two or three ways into the building, and most of the windows boarded up, there are fears that a child could become trapped inside.

Firefighters described conditions in the building as an "oven", and were forced to hack a hole through the brickwork for ventilation.

Mr Carr said: "All the windows have been put through, and it is such a large building it is going to be difficult to prevent future attacks - and that is our main concern.

"It is only a matter of time before a child is going to find him or herself cut off. They won't be able to get out."

The brigade has asked Cleveland Police to keep an eye on the building.

A police spokeswoman said: "We would urge parents to discourage their children from playing in the area, before a tragic accident happens. We would appeal to members of the public who see youths acting suspiciously to contact the police immediately."

The school is in the process of being sold by the Cleveland College of Art, with completion of the sale close.