The headteacher of a school targeted in an arson attack has said she is “relieved” there was no damage to the school building.

It was business as usual at Fairhouse Primary School yesterday, after a fire was deliberately started on the school grounds in Long Riding, Basildon, at roughly 6.15pm on Tuesday.

Emergency services rushed to the school, and it was found that entry had been forced onto the site, and a fire deliberately started in a container on the school field.

No-one was hurt and there was no damage to the school building, but it has been confirmed the fire was started deliberately.

Headteacher, Jenny McCutcheon, also stated she does not believe any of the school’s pupils were involved.

She said: “We are relieved above all else.

“We are all open and thankfully the damage was only to the container.

“We have to say a massive thank you to the fire brigade and police for handling the situation, which has allowed us to be open and operating, as well as the parents and neighbours who contacted the school to inform us.

“The caretaker did his final checks at 5.45pm and the site was clear, but the fire had started by 6.15pm.

“We have absolutely no idea how it was started, or by whom, but we are almost certain our pupils would not have been involved.”

The school believe the culprit climbed over a locked gate at the rear of the school.

The fire was fully extinguished by 7pm.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following a fire in Basildon on Tuesday, November 13.

“We were called shortly after 6.30pm by colleagues at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service with reports of a fire at a school on Long Riding.

“Entry had been forced into the school and a container holding school equipment is believed to have been deliberately set on fire.

“No one was hurt.

“If you have any information about the incidents or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the fire, please call Basildon Police Station on 101 quoting reference 42/166063/18. Information can also be given anonymously to charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org”