UPDATE: Fire closes Bellingen High School

UPDATE, 12:55 PM:

Police are appealing for witnesses after a school was broken into and damaged by fire on the state’s North Coast overnight.

In their latest information drop, police say the administration building was  ransacked and vandalised in addition to the other damage mentioned below.

The damage caused by the fire is estimated at more than $100,000.

A crime scene was established and is currently being examined by specialist forensic officers.

Investigators believe the fire was deliberately lit and are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE, 9:35 AM:

Local fire authorities have handed the investigation of a deliberately lit fire at Bellingen High School this morning over to specialist forensic investigators working with Coffs-Clarence police, and a Fire Investigation and Rescue Unit (FIRU) from Sydney will arrive after 12.

Meanwhile, more details have emerged about the blaze.

Bellingen Fire and Rescue NSW station commander Brian Woollard says crews were called to the High School at 2:52am, finding flames and smoke in one classroom and the library also alight upon arrival.

Commander Woollard said it took RFS crews and fire and rescue from Sawtell, Urunga and Coffs Harbour – six trucks in total - until about 5:30am to extinguish the flames.

Crews also found windows broken and library books that the perpetrators had attempted to set on fire.

EARLIER:

Bellingen High school will be closed today, after vandals reportedly broke into the school, smashed windows and lit multiple fires.

This morning, the school asked its estimated 600 students to stay at home as investigations continue.