Minibuses destroyed in arson attack on Lincoln primary school

An investigation is being carried out into the fire at St Hugh's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy in Lincoln

Two minibuses have been destroyed in a suspected arson attack at a primary school, Lincolnshire Police said.

The incident happened at St Hugh's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy in Lincoln in the early hours of Thursday morning, the force added.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze at the school in Woodfield Avenue.

"Further inspection of the buses has shown that they have had their engines stripped," a police spokesperson said.

"We are treating this as an arson and theft and fire investigators are on scene today and will be using the fire investigation dog as part of their enquiries.

"The buses have been completely burnt out and left as empty shells and the windows to one classroom at the front of the building have been cracked and guttering damaged.

"As a result of the damage and clean-up needed, the school has taken the decision to close both today and tomorrow."

Investigators have appealed for witnesses and video footage.

The school will remain closed until next week, police said

Tracy Gooding, who lives near the school, described the incident as "disgusting".

"It's their transport, to get out and go swimming or days out or something," she said.

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