THREE boys have been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack at an infant school in North Yorkshire, which caused "severe damage" to an early years outdoor area.

Police and fire crews and were called to the blaze in a single storey building at Saltergate Infant School in Harrogate at about 8.30pm yesterday (May 27).

North Yorkshire Police said two boys, aged 13 and 15, were arrested a short time later.

A third boy, aged 16, was arrested in the early hours of this morning, the force added.

It confirmed that all three have been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate."

Crews put out the fire using two hose reel jets.

In a statement on the school's website, headteacher Linda Mortimer commented: "Although the severe damage to the early years outdoor area is heart breaking, it could have been so much worse if the fire had extended to the school buildings."

Anyone with information who has not already come forward to the police is asked to call officers on 101 and ask for Harrogate Investigation Hub.

Quote incident number 12190095568.