POLICE have confirmed that the fire at Mid Cheshire College Winsford campus was a ‘despicable’ arson attack.

The fire at the Winsford Campus in Weaver Street was reported to Cheshire Fire and Rescue service at around 8pm yesterday.

Firefighters from Winsford and Northwich attended the scene and found that two commercial bins were well alight and the fire had begun to spread into the building.

Fire crews used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish the fire. A large fan was used to clear the smoke from the building.

Police are now investigating the incident and are appealing to the public to help find the suspect.

DC Paul Cundy said: “This was a despicable act and were it not for the work of the firefighters who attended the scene the consequences could have been far worse.

“I’m appealing for anyone who believes that they have any information in relation to the incident to contact us on 101 so that the person responsible for this incident can be brought to justice.

“I would like to reassure students who attend the college, and their parents, that the campus will be open as normal when term time resumes.”

The suspect is described as a white boy, in his early teens and approximately 5ft tall. At the time of the incident he was wearing white trainers, dark football socks pulled up to his knees, dark shorts and a dark coloured t-shirt with red on the shoulders.

After starting the fire the boy left the scene on a BMX bike and cycled in the direction of Weaver Street.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 926 of 18/8/2016. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.