A head teacher today lashed out at arsonists who wrecked a classroom.

The head of Oakmeeds Community School in Burgess Hill said he cannot understand the mentality of arsonists, possibly youngsters, who destroyed the building.

The fire-raisers struck at about 7.30pm last night, gutting a large wooden hut used by children for drama classes.

About 20 firefighters fought the blaze after the alarm was raised by a neighbour.

Footpath Fire chiefs believe the fire was started deliberately and police are investigating reports that children were seen running away from the scene.

School head Viv Nicholas said: "I would imagine it was just people messing around for a laugh. I can't get into the minds of people like that. We've got a public footpath which runs through the site so it's not possible to limit access but we get very little vandalism in the school."

Mr Nicholas said West Sussex County Council would decide whether to replace the classroom.

"We will have to re-allocate a room for drama. There's more space in the school at the moment because Year 11 have left."

Anyone with any information can contact Haywards Heath CID on 0845 6070999.