A SECOND fire is being investigated at the Hugh Christie Technology College, Tonbridge, less than a fortnight after the school was hit by a severe blaze.

The latest incident happened early this morning when fire broke out in a first-floor classroom.

Two fire crews from Tonbridge and a third from Southborough were mobilised shortly after midnight and were able to put out the fire and stop it spreading.

Its cause is now being investigated and, as in the previous incident, police have been called in to assist.

The earlier incident, overnight on July 6 and 7, caused serious damage to the reception area and 30 per cent of the school buildings.

A school mini-bus parked in the grounds was also destroyed by fire.

The blaze forced temporary closure of the school, which caters for 1,200 11 to 18-year-olds, and disrupted lessons in the run up to the end of term.

At one stage 10 fire appliances and 80 firefighters from throughout West Kent attended.

Police have been treating the incident as suspected arson.