A FIRE that destroyed an historic former school was started deliberately, according to the fire service.

Flames ripped through the former Ramsey Primary School leaving it devastated yesterday evening.

Residents watched on as fire crews fought the flames and stopped them spreading to neighbouring houses, shortly after 6pm.

Control panel engineer Matthew Clothier raised the alarm after seeing smoke spiralling from the building.

Mr Clothier, 44, of Chaffinch Drive, Dovercourt, had been at the nearby livery yard when he saw the drama unfold.

Mr Clothier said: "I saw the smoke coming from the building and knew it was on fire.

"I called 999 to get the fire brigade here."

Six fire crews attended from Clacton, Weeley, Manningtree, Colchester and Dovercourt.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought the flames and stopped them spreading.

Gazette:

However, they could not save the school building which was gutted in parts with roof beams becoming smoking embers.

Horse owner Sue Warr, 47, of Parkeston, who was at the livery yard, also went to the school.

She said: "It is terrible, so sad to see.

"I have a lot of good memories of the school and it is devastating to see it."

Emma Cook, 24, of Mayes Lane, Ramsey, also went to the school.

She said: "It is really sad to see it go. I remember the shiny wooden floors. It's a shame."

And Shannon Soames, 22, of Gordon Road, Dovercourt, who also has horses at the livery yard and went to the school, added: "It really sad, awful."

Residents reported seeing a group of teenagers near the school before the fire.

Six crews worked to put out the fire for more than three hours.

The school has been disused since the new Two Village School was opened about ten years ago.

It had been due to become homes and was up for auction.

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