DETECTIVES investigating an arson attack which destroyed part of Smithills School are going into the classroom to speak to pupils.

The blaze early on New Year's Eve wrecked three classrooms and caused smoke damage to a further six.

It left the school with a £400,000 repair bill.

Officers are hoping that speaking to youngsters in person may make them realise the seriousness of the fire and come forward with information.

Gangs of youths are known to congregate in the school grounds in the evening and at weekends.

The area has been plagued by problems of young people drinking and vandalising property.

Police believe the fire could be linked to the groups.

Det Con Craig Walsh, from Bolton CID, said: "We are going into the school to speak to the pupils about the fire.

"We are hoping someone will come forward.

"I would appeal to young people in the area with any information - no matter how small - to contact the police.

"I can assure them that anything they tell us will be treated in the strictest confidence.

"Even if they were at Smithills on the night the fire was started but had nothing to do with it, come forward and tell us what happened."

work on repairing the fire damage is underway.

Some lessons have been taking place in ten portable classrooms.

In one classroom GCSE English coursework was destroyed, and some modern languages work was also lost in the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740.