A BOY, aged 12, has been charged with arson after the fire which devastated a Horwich special school yesterday.

The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was arrested last night and held in custody overnight. He is due to appear before Bolton Magistrates today.

Damage estimated at tens of thousands of pounds was caused to Lever Park School, off Stocks Park Drive, after an intruder started a fire in the staff room and toilet area shortly before 7am. The school, which has around 40 pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties, will remain closed until after the summer holidays.

The education authority has informed parents by letter of the situation and it is hoped that the school will be open again for the new term on September 2.

The fire was mainly confined to the administration section of the main school building, sweeping through the staff room, toilet area and a corridor. A number of classrooms suffered smoke and water damage.

An education department spokesman said insurance assessors visited the school yesterday, but the full cost of the damage is not yet known.

He said staff are still working at the school, using one of the temporary classrooms, planning for next term.

"We will be making every effort to resume school on September 2," he added

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