TWO teenagers are being quizzed by detectives investigating a massive blaze at a Bolton secondary school.

The two were held after flames ripped through Withins School, in Newby Road, Breightmet, destroying almost half the building, and causing damage estimated at about £500,000.

A youth, aged 15, spoke to a fire officer at the scene yesterday and was later arrested and interviewed by police.

Later the 19-year-old was also arrested.

Police say they still have to interview other people who were at the scene as part of an ongoing inquiry which could last several weeks.

And an appeal has been made for a taxi driver who pjoned to raise the alarm to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Astley Bridge CID on (0161) 856 5753.

Today only pupils sitting GCSE examinations were being admitted to the school, which has over 1,000 pupils. The blaze early yesterday destroyed language and science laboratories and classrooms .

But headteacher Mrs Judith Richardson has vowed that the school will recover and be "hopefully bigger and better".

She said: "We are working hard to make this a good school and I find it very frustrating when we are working so hard to raise the image of the school and something like this happens.

"But in the end we will get new resources."

The fire started in the language department head's classroom and spread to adjoining rooms. There was water damage to other parts of the building. At the height of the fire more than 50 firemen were drafted in.

Crews using breathing apparatus fought their way through the burning building as they attempted to stop the fire spreading further.

A total of six fire engines from stations around the Bolton area were diverted to the school to tackle the fire in the section of the building which houses expensive computers and science equipment.

Damage to two recently refurbished computer rooms alone has been estimated at around £40,000, said Mrs Richardson.

Devastated teachers arrived at the school yesterday to discover if their classrooms had survived the fire. Mrs Richardson said a great deal of teachers' work, as well as that of the pupils, had gone up in flames. She said: "It has been very upsetting for all members of staff."

A surveyor from Bolton Council was due to visit the school today to determine which classrooms are safe to use.

Pupils in years seven and 10 are to attend school as usual tomorrow but other children will now be off until temporary accommodation can be erected.

Mrs Richardson said the year 10 pupils must attend because they are currently taking GCSE examinations and the year seven pupils are being singled out because they are the school's youngest children. She said: "Part of the school has been untouched by the fire so we are able to use it. We are hoping to get temporary accommodation as soon as possible."

Mrs Richardson paid tribute to staff from Bolton Council for their help.

Bolton North-east MP Peter Thurnham was visiting the school today. He said: "I was shocked to hear about the fire and wanted to see the damage for myself.

"I have been very concerned about school arson for some time now and feel something has to be done to prevent it."

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