A fire which saw a school evacuated yesterday started in a hand dryer and is being treated as suspicious.

Fire crews were called to Towers School and Sixth Form in Ashford just before 9am yesterday after the small blaze broke out.

It in a hand dryer in a toilet block, and a probe is underway into what exactly caused the ignition.

Principal Richard Billings described the day as “one of the most challenging” he has faced at the school.

To make matters worse, the building in Faversham Road has been hit with water issues in recent days, which are not expected to be fixed until Monday.

Students in years 7 to 9 are still unable to attend today and are working remotely.

In a letter to parents yesterday, Mr Billings said: “Firstly, I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding.

“Today has been one of the most challenging days that I have faced since becoming the principal at Towers School.

“With regard to the fire incident this morning, it originated from a hand dryer and was quickly dealt with.

“As a result, the Austen building will undergo a deep clean, and we hope it will reopen soon.

“However, despite such difficult circumstances, our Towers community shone.

“I would like to thank the students for their maturity, calm and resilience.

“Our fantastic staff continued to teach and students continued to learn.”

A fire service spokeswoman added: “We were called at 08.57am on December 11 to Towers School, Kennington to reports of a fire in a toilet block.

“Two fire engines attended and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

“There were no reported injuries, and the cause is being treated as suspicious.”

The “critical” water supply issue started on Tuesday and saw the school close early.

In his letter, the principal said: “Due to the ongoing issues with water - which South East Water have confirmed will not improve before Monday - I have had to make the very difficult decision to adjust the school day.”

Sixth form year 10 and year 11 students will be in as usual today however all over pupils will be learning remotely.

Tomorrow, year 7, 11 and sixth form will be in the building, however year 8, 9 and 10 will be working from home.

South East Water’s head of operations (Kent), Nick Bell previously told KentOnline: “We’re sorry to see Towers School is struggling with its water pressure.

“We have visited multiple times to assist them with this issue.

“We’ve taken water pressure readings from outside the school, which has shown there is a good level of water pressure going into the site.”

Mr Bell also indicated the issue was an internal one, but Mr Billings disputes this.

South East Water has been contacted for more information.