POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack after a fire ripped through a Leytonstone School building on Sunday night.

St Andrew's Hall a church building regularly used by pupils for sports and exams was destroyed by the blaze and faces demolition.

Head teacher Joan McVittie said she was uncertain where examinations and sports activities would be held in future.

No-one was injured by the fire, which was put out after more than three hours by the fire brigade.

But the destruction of the hall will come as a severe blow to a school that has made considerable academic progress in recent years and now achieves comparable results to Wanstead High School.

Mrs McVittie said: "It's very sad for the young people because the hall was a very important resource for us. It cannot be replaced.

"Even if we get the funding to build a new hall, it will be another 18 months or two years before it is up and running.

"At this point, I'm not sure what we are going to do but I am certain we'll manage. As a school we have raised achievement considerably and we must ensure that continues."

Leytonstone School, in Colworth Road, has been targeted by vandals on a number of occasions this year and there have been reports of a number of attempted attacks over the weekend.

Police arrested four youths on Saturday evening trying to break into the hall and chased others away.

St Andrew's Hall held up to 120 students and was used for examinations, drama and sports activities including basketball and gymnastics. It also incorporated an adjoining classroom that could hold 30 students.

The 70-year-old building sits in the small Leytonstone Conservation Area.

The school has leased it from nearby St Andrew's Church since the 1970s.

The blaze is now being investigated by CID officers. A spokeswoman said they believed it was started deliberately.

The building was damaged so badly that it was fenced off to prevent the public entering while council staff ensured it was safe.

A council spokesman said: "Contingency plans are underway to find alternative accommodation for the school.

"This could consist of a temporary building on or near the main school site or the use of other suitable accommodation nearby."

September 26, 2002 11:30