Arsonists are putting children at risk of inhaling asbestos by starting fires in a derelict building.

Firefighters have been dealing with up to five malicious fires a week at an old abattoir with asbestos roofing.

Yesterday they contained a potentially serious blaze at the site at the old meat market in Hollingdean Lane, Brighton.

Michael Meik, station manager at Preston Circus fire station, said: "The whole area is derelict and it's a magnet for people who want to cause trouble. It's getting worse.

"The asbestos makes it not only dangerous for us and the public but also for anyone who does go in there illegally."

The abattoir is next to the Cityclean waste depot and has been derelict for a number of years. It will be demolished if a proposed waste transfer site and recycling station goes ahead at the site.

The fire on Tuesday took one and a half hours to douse. Mr Meik said people living near the site would not have been at risk as the fire was contained quickly and there was little wind to spread smoke.

However, teachers at Downs Infant School in Ditchling Road closed all the doors and windows while the fire was burning and children were sent home with a letter about the incident.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said independent experts tested the air in the school playground immediately after the fire and found it clear.

No asbestos debris was found further than seven metres from the site.

He said: "We'd like to demolish the building but don't want people to think any redevelopment has started before proper permission has been granted."

Campaign group Dump the Dump, which is protesting against the proposals for the waste transfer site, said the fires highlight the risks of having one in a residential area.

A spokeswoman for waste company Veolia said the buildings would be demolished if planning permission was given for the waste facility and there would be improved security and fire detection and suppression systems.