A severe fire which engulfed a Black Country school, destroying four-fifths of its facilities, is being treated as arson, police have said.
West Midlands Police said no one was injured in last night's blaze, which reduced much of Wilkinson Primary School, Bilston, to a charred shell.
Education officials responsible for the 350-pupil school have said it will close until after the forthcoming half-term holiday.
Wolverhampton City Council's site and buildings strategy manager, Marc Webb, said the authority was making urgent arrangements to ensure accommodation was available for the pupils to return to after half-term.
In a statement issued by the council, Mr Webb confirmed: "Sadly, most of the school has been lost - around 80% - and it would be impossible for the pupils to return to it in its current state.
"We are not sure yet what form this will take, and we're reviewing a range of options, including offers from local schools and community organisations."
The emergency services were called to the school on Walter Road, Bradley, at approximately 9.50pm.
House-to-house inquiries are now being conducted in the local area and police are stepping up patrols in the immediate vicinity of the school.
Inspector John Scobie, from Wolverhampton police, said: "This was a very serious incident and we are thankful that no one was hurt.
"However, this fire has now destroyed the hard work of many pupils and teachers, who are now without a place to work and play.
"We will be conducting a very thorough investigation so we can bring the people responsible to justice."
