An investigation was today under way after a Basildon school building was burnt to the ground.

The old disused art building belonging to Barstable School, in Timberlog Lane, is believed to have been set ablaze by of arsonists.

The main school was open to pupils as normal today.

A police and fire forensic team were due to examine the wreckage at some stage today.

Six fire engines from across south Essex were brought in to tackle the huge blaze shortly after midnight.

Two teams were still in place at 8am today as the building was in danger of collapsing.

The flames were spotted by the passing Essex Police helicopter which was dealing with another job.

The one-storey building had been empty ready for demolition, which was due to start soon.

Station officer Doug Sylvester, the fireman in charge from Basildon, said: "As we drove up to the school, we could see the flames leaping about 30ft above the school. We were prepared for a big fire.

"We had to use three teams with breathing apparatus to make sure the blaze did not spread. There was another attempt at starting a fire in a building next door, but fortunately it had not taken.

"The fire was contained and luckily there was nobody hurt."

Headteacher Paul Betts said: "There was an incident in the old building opposite the shops last night which resulted in serious fire damage to some unoccupied rooms. This building is in the process of being evacuated this week and is about to be demolished.

"The police are treating the fire as suspicious. No person has been harmed and the school is open today as normal."

Anyone with information should contact Basildon Police on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Gutted - fire investigators believe the fire was started deliberately

(Right) Firefighters stop the blaze from spreading to the rest of the school

Main picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.