A SCHOOL attacked by arsonists could be closed until the new year.

Last week, fire ripped through part of West Park Primary School, Hartlepool, causing £120,000 worth of damage.

Now, headteacher Rob Wilson has written to parents explaining that the school could remain shut until the start of the Christmas holidays. Although no classrooms were damaged, it could take up to six weeks before electricity is restored to the school.

Education chiefs worked over the weekend to try to find alternative venues for lessons, although the first pupils are not expected to be back in classes until Thursday.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire last Thursday night