POLICE are investigating two fires which are thought to have been started deliberately in Stapenhill.

The first, on Saturday morning at the former Short Street Community Infants School, destroyed a wooden playhouse.

The second, on the same day, was near to Paulet School in Violet Way.

Two teenage boys were seen walking away from the scene of the first incident and in the direction of the second. Police are now investigating whether the two incidents are linked.

Trent Valley Police spokesman Peter Sevens said: "We believe the fires were started deliberately.

"Two young people were spotted near the scene in Short Street and we are urging them to come forward."

The first fire broke out at 5.42am at the school, which is vacant. It started in a children's outdoor playhouse and spread to the nursery building.

Two crews from Burton were sent to the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames.

Crews remained at the incident for two hours.

The fire destroyed the wooden playhouse and caused severe damage to one wall of the nursery building. The fire at Paulet School broke out at 6.20am.