Four children have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a primary school.

Three boys, aged 13, 14 and 15, and a 12-year-old boy were apprehended after emergency services tackled the blaze on Tuesday evening.

Police and the fire service were called at around 6.50pm on Tuesday after receiving reports of a fire at Devonshire County Primary School on Caunce Street in Blackpool.

Upon attendance, police found damage had been caused to outdoor equipment located on a balcony on the first floor of the building.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Thankfully the fire wasn’t able to spread to the main building.

"An investigation is now ongoing into the exact cause of the fire but at this time we are treating the incident as suspicious.

"Four people have since been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage – arson not endangering life."

They are three boys from Blackpool aged 13, 14 and 15, and a 12-year-old boy from Thornton-Cleveleys.

They all remained in custody on Wednesday.

Insp Dave Wilson, of the Blackpool Neighbourhood policing team, said: “The fire was started just as the school was due to reopen and we know there will be a lot of local children now wondering when they will be able to get back to their education.

“We have made four arrests as part of our investigation, but our enquiries are very much ongoing and we are urging anybody with information about it to get in touch.

"Perhaps you were in the area at around the same time and saw something suspicious, or perhaps you think you know who is responsible.

"Whatever information you have, we would urge you to let us know.

“We appreciate there have been several incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area recently and we would like to reassure residents that they will continue to see an increased police presence.

"Anybody with concerns is welcome to speak to an officer.

"We would also ask all parents of young people to please make sure they know what their children are doing in the evenings.”

Anyone with information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 1311 of September 1.