An outdoor classroom was burned down at a school in Redbourn overnight, leading to two donkeys escaping from the school grounds.

Herts Advertiser: The outdoor classroom after the fire.The outdoor classroom after the fire. (Image: Archant)

The arson took place on the night of Thursday, June 29, at St Luke’s School in Crouch Hall Lane, which is a school for pupils age nine to 16 with learning difficulties.

The outdoor classroom, which was a barn structure, had recently been built and had not yet been used by pupils. It was close to where two donkeys were stabled within the school grounds.

The animals were found by police at 5am on Friday, June 30, wandering in Redbourn Lane between the Redbourn roundabout and Harpenden Golf Club. They were unharmed.

PC Richard Donbavand, who is investigating, said: “We are treating this incident as arson and are appealing for anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously around the school overnight to get in touch.

“This incident has deprived the school of their outdoor classroom, which will cost a significant amount of money to replace.

“Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact me via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101, quoting ISR 118 of June 30.”

A fundraising page has been set up to try to raise £37,000 for repairs at the school. To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stlukesredbourn