AN ARSON attack set the old hall at Prudhoe Community High School ablaze last night.

Fire crews were alerted to the fire shortly before 8pm on Monday, October 3.

Following construction of a new school building at the Moor Road site, the old buildings are earmarked for demolition.

A fire engine from the Prudhoe station was first at the scene, followed by appliances from Hexham, West Hartford and Pegswood.

Fire crews used eight sets of breathing apparatus and four hose reels to fight the fire.

The ground floor of the building, which dates back to the 1950s, was thick with smoke.

A decontamination area was established at the scene to deal with the asbestos involved in the incident.

By 10.18pm firefighters had the blaze under control and no-one was injured.

A fire investigation officer inspected the scene today and a joint investigation by Northumbria Police and Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service is under way.

A police spokesperson said: "Fire services investigators are treating it as arson and police have begun an investigation."