DETECTIVES are investigating a fire which badly damaged a Kent school early today and forced its closure to staff and pupils (writes Jane Waghorn and Nigel Jarrett).

The alarm was raised at about 2am when fire broke out at Hugh Christie Technology College in Tonbridge. Anne McCarthy, from West Kent police, said: "We are investigating two fires in connection with this incident - one in a school mini-bus in the school grounds and one in the school itself."

First reports were of a fire in the school grounds, but it was then discovered that the school itself was alight.

At one stage some 80 firefighters from throughout West Kent were engaged in tackling the fire, the cause of which is being treated as suspicious.

Assistant Divisional Officer Steve Lakin, who was at the scene, said: "There was a lot of smoke damage inside the school and heat damage in the reception area. The heat was so intense that we really did struggle to get into the building."

Several specialist vehicles, including a platform hoist, were deployed and it was some three hours before the fire was under control.

ADO Lakin added: "Clearly the school has got to be closed for now. Police are investigating the cause of the fire."

Jackie Marks, education spokeswoman for Kent County Council, said: "We hope to re-open the school tomorrow (Tuesday) for pupils in years seven, eight, nine and 12, as Years 11 and 13 have finished for the term following exams and Year 10 pupils are on work placement this week .

"However, there could be problems next week when Year 10 pupils need to be accommodated, and so it is likely students may be educated in rotation for the remaining couple of weeks of term."

The Local Education Authority is working closely with the school to ensure it will be fully operational when the autumn term starts in September.