A FIRE that destroyed a replica Iron Age roundhouse at a Dorchester school was started deliberately, a police officer confirmed today.

But investigating officer PC David Williams said the precise cause of the blaze at Prince of Wales First School remained unknown.

He said: "It could be that someone has heard somebody talking about it or that a member of their family came home smelling of smoke.

"This fire has had a big impact, not just on the school but on the whole community in that area. People living near the school are shocked."

He said a neighbour living opposite the Maiden Castle Road school raised the alarm at 4am on Saturday.

PC Williams said: "This year the children who were due to camp in it won't be able to."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01305 222222.