Police confirm arson at Hamilton school

Firefighters were called to Hamilton East Primary School about 6.50am Sunday. Photo / File

Tyres were placed under two Hamilton school buildings and set alight in the second arson attack on the school in six years.

Hamilton police are now urging anyone with information about the blaze - early yesterday morning - to contact them.

Firefighters were called to Hamilton East Primary School about 6.50am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson of the Hamilton CIB said after firefighters extinguished the blaze they discovered how the fire began.

"Two buildings at the school, the hall and a dental clinic have suffered varying degrees of damage after tyres were placed under a wheelchair access ramp and under the clinic and set alight."

The school was also the target of an arson in April 2009 which destroyed one classroom and smoke damaged others.

Mr Patterson said investigators wanted to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity around the school between 5-7am yesterday.

"Any attack on a school is tragic as it robs young innocent pupils of their right to feel safe and be safe in their school so we're encouraging anyone with information to contact us on 07 858 6200."

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.