POLICE have confirmed they are treating a large fire that caused extensive damage to a former school as arson.

A Durham Police spokesperson said:”The derelict Greenland School on School Terrace, in South Moor, Stanley, was subject to an arson attack on Saturday.

“PC Graeme Whitfield at Stanley is appealing for information in relation to this incident.”

Dozens of firefighters tackled the blaze for several hours. There were five appliances, an aerial ladder platform and an incident command support unit in attendance, as well as the North East Ambulance Service’s Hart team and police.

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101 and quote incident number DHM-08062019-0377 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800555111.