FIREBUGS who torched a school causing £500,000 worth of damage are being hunted by police.

Our Lady and St Anne's Primary in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, was set alight on Monday evening just days before the start of the school term.

Firefighters who rushed to the scene were forced to battle the flames which could be seen for miles around through the night.

Residents living in homes near the school in the town's Highstonehall Road raised the alarm at around 10pm.

Three fire crews from Strathclyde Fire and rescue were still dousing the flames on Tuesday - more than 12 hours after the blaze erupted.

The 270-capacity Catholic school shares the site with St Peter's Primary which remained untouched by the blaze.

Cops investigating the blaze have refused to rule out wilful fireraising and are appealing for a group of youths to come forward.

Detective Constable Ronnie Payne said: "I am appealing to a group of youths who were in the park area at the time of this incident to come forward as they may have seen those responsible.

"I would also urge anyone with information to speak to the police.

"This fire has damaged a lot of school property and it is important that those responsible are traced.

"Fortunately the main building of the school was undamaged and won't affect children returning to school after the summer holidays."

Six teaching staff at Our Lady and St Anne's were due to go back to work on Thursday ahead of kids returning to class next Monday, but education chiefs will now have to make urgent alternative plans.

Police cars stood guard outside the school yesterday while firefighters secured the area.

None of the neighbouring homes were affected by the blaze.

Headteacher Sandrina Lawson said: "The main thing is that everyone is safe. Staff are devastated at the loss of valuable resources.

"We have been working hard over the summer to prepare for our move to our new school.

"To lose years and years of children's and teachers work is extremely upsetting. Many members of the local community are also upset at seeing the damage caused by the fire."

South Lanarkshire Council's education department staff were due to visit the site today to determine the extent of the damage.

Det Con Payne added: "Any person with information is asked to contact Hamilton CID on telephone number 01698 483359.

"Alternatively, telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained."