A FORMER school in York has been badly damaged by fire, in an apparent arson attack.

The blaze broke out at the old Our Lady's RC Primary School in Windsor Garth just after 2am today.

The building has suffered widespread fire damage, but was already in the process of being demolished.

Fire crews from York, Acomb and Huntington were called and firefighters returned this morning and this afternoon to continue their investigations.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said investigations were continuing but said the fire was now beleived to have been started deliberately.