Police were today investigating an arson attack at a Bradford school.

The blaze broke out in the science laboratory of Rhodesway Upper School at about 7pm yesterday after youths were seen throwing objects at the building.

Fire crews from Fairweather Green and Bradford were called to the Allerton school in Oaks Lane.

Leading firefighter Michael Dale, of Fairweather Green station, said: "There was a car fire in the grounds of the school at 6.09pm. We put out that fire and returned to the station when we got the call for the school fire at 6.55pm."

Papers and books inside the science laboratory at the former Chellow Dene site, which is attended by younger members of Rhodesway School, caught fire but there were no chemicals nearby.

Mr Dale said: "It took less than ten minutes to put out the fire. There was 80 per cent smoke damage to the classroom and some debris and water damage but the fire was confined to a small area."

Police were today set to examine the scene of the fire, which is thought to have been started maliciously. An exact cause is yet unknown.

A Nissan Micra was completely destroyed about 200 yards away and youths were seen pelting the building with objects.

A nearby resident raised the alarm.

The school caretaker, who did not wish to be named, said: "A resident saw the youths near the building and called the fire brigade. It did not take long for the fire to be put out."

Head-teacher of Rhodesway School, Bob O'Hagan, who only started his job yesterday at the start of the new term, said: "What could have been a very damaging fire, has only caused smoke damage to one room."

Fire crews from Ilkley, Otley and Keighley were called to a fire at Bolling Road School, Bolling Road, Ben Rhydding at 8.22pm yesterday. The fire was confined to the boiler room.