Police believe a school blaze in Totnes was started by arsonists.

Fire crews were called to the fire at the King Edward VI Community College on Sunday afternoon.

It is believed to have started with an arson attack on two portable toilets outside the Elmhirst Building, across the road from the college.

The smoke could be seen from miles away.

One eyewitness said: “Clouds of thick black smoke could be seen billow up from the school.

“The fire was then seen travelling up and catching the roof.”

The toilets were on the grounds for a Bank Holiday Monday fun day that was cancelled after the fire.

The event was being organised by the Totnes Community Development Society which has been working with young people and volunteers to renovate the Elmhirst Centre and bring it into use for youngsters and vulnerable individuals.

A spokesman from the society said they are “deeply saddened” their hard work has been “put in jeopardy by what looks like a fire lit deliberately.”

Sgt Tim Perrin, head of Totnes neighbourhood police team, confirmed the police suspect arson and said the site has suffered several criminal incidents recently.

“The site has been repeatedly targeted in recent months since it has been disused by the school, with many incidents of criminal damage due to how easy it is to gain entry into the building,” he said.

Anyone with information should phone the police on 101 and quote crime reference CR/034905/19.