A TEENAGER has been arrested in connection with a fire at a Suffolk school which caused “substantial damage” to one of the toilet blocks.

A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a blaze at a school.

The fire service was called to Thurston Community College in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, after the fire started in one of the school’s toilet blocks at about 3.45pm yesterday.

All pupils were evacuated from the building when the fire alarm went off.

Firefighters at the scene said the fire, which caused “substantial damage”, started when a loo roll ended up alight.

When the crews from Bury and Ixworth arrived, they found the affected corridor of a single-storey building “heavily smoke logged”.

The police are investigating the incident, which caused delays in pupils being able to leave school and get home.

This morning it emerged a 15-year-old boy from Bury St Edmunds had been arrested on suspicion of arson.

A police spokeswoman said the force would be making further inquiries at the school today.

She said: “Inquiries are under way – we are taking it very seriously.”

Speaking on Suffolk fire service’s Facebook page, one of the college’s students said: “I speak on behalf of our sixth form when we say: “Thanks for dealing with the effects of an idiotic main schooler. Top marks guys and girls that attended.”

Helen Wilson, principal at the school, said “substantial damage” was caused to the toilet block.

The fire was under control by 4.10pm.