AN EAST Yorkshire school will be closed on Monday after a suspected arson attack wrecked a building, sending 20ft flames soaring from its roof.

The education block at Woldgate School, Pocklington suffered severe damage in the fire which broke out early today.

The fire officer in charge at the scene, Humberside Fire Service Divisional Officer Gary Saunt, said: "The fire appears to have been started at the outside of the building near some wooden timbers. It is possible that a plastic bin was pushed against these and we are looking at a malicious ignition."

The fire caused a window to smash, then the blaze spread into the roof of the building. It ripped through cavities and insulation.

Five engines were required to put out the blaze, with a police helicopter being used for thermal imaging.

Woldgate School building manager John Maycock said: "When I got here the flames were 20ft high. It was frightening."

The damage also affected a water main, causing flood damage as well as smoke and fire damage.

The entire school will be closed on Monday.

Vice- chairman of the governors, David Liddle, said: "It is extremely disappointing. We are approaching exam time and this is the last thing we would want for our students."

Updated: 12:41 Saturday, April 05, 2003