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It is estimated about $15,000 worth of damage was done to a Rangiora primary school this weekend by arsonists.
Police say they and the Fire Service were called to the school at about 4am on Saturday. They say two fires were started in close proximity to each other, and they appear to be related.
The first involved a sandpit cover which was removed and slung over a fence before being set alight. The second fire was a more serious blaze involving a fenced area behind a new staff room.
Inspector Alan Weston of police southern communications says the fire was only just extinguished before spreading to the nearby building.
Ashgrove School principal Christina Houia says the fire could have been devastating for the children and is backing police in their call for witnesses.
- NEWSTALK ZB
