INVESTIGATIONS have been launched following a blaze in a classroom block at a Kent school.

Pupils at Tunbridge Wells High School in the town's Blackhurst Lane were evacuated as thick smoke began pouring from the block on Monday afternoon.

Fire crews traced the seat of the blaze to a plastic bin containing paper towels in a boys’ lavatory.

Sub Officer Martin Elkins said: "We initially thought the fire was in a boiler room but when firefighters entered the information technology block they traced it to boys’ toilets.

"The fire generated a lot of thick black, toxic smoke which caused severe damage to the toilets and some lesser damage to the orridor outside. Fortunately no one was hurt and the school’s fire drill was well executed.

"Circumstances suggest the fire may have been started deliberately, and that is now being investigated."

Graham Smith, headteacher at the 500-pupil secondary school, said: "Any incident involving fire must be taken very seriously, and this is. An investigation is being conducted and will be exhaustive. Meanwhile we will do all in our power to prevent any recurrence.

"I’m pleased to say that our emergency drills worked well. There was an orderly evacuation of the school, and as soon as it was safe to do so, pupils returned to their lessons. The fire brigade acted promptly and were very helpful."