Staff 'heartbroken' after suspected nursery arson

Bright Beams Day Nursery on Billacombe Road was due to open in September

Nursery owners say they are "heartbroken and deflated" after a suspected arson attack at their building.

Police have launched an investigation after the blaze at Bright Beams Day Nursery, in Plymouth, on Monday evening.

The nursery on Billacombe Road, which was due to open in September, said emergency services had to "waste hours of their precious time and community resources" responding to "reckless actions".

It added that what was left behind was "nothing short of devastation".

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the nursery following reports of a suspected arson

In a statement, the nursery said: "You may not realise it, but the space you tried to destroy wasn't just a building - it was soon to be a nursery.

"A safe, nurturing environment for children in our local area including, possibly, your own siblings, cousins, or the children of your parents' friends.

"You didn't just wreck walls you potentially delayed dozens of families from accessing childcare they need."

It added: "You've affected jobs, livelihoods, and futures."

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called following reports of a suspected arson at the nursey and "substantial fire and water damage were caused to the inside of the building as a result".

They have appealed for people with information to come forward.