LESS than 48 hours after fire destroyed a shed full of playground equipment at a Bicester school, parents and the wider community have raised nearly £4,000 to replace the lost items.

At about 11pm on Sunday, the building at Bardwell School in Hendon Place went up in flames, with police now investigating it as a possible arson attack.

Six fire engines from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene to tackle the blaze.

Headmaster John Riches said: “The shed and all the toys and bikes and ride-on equipment are completely destroyed.

“It’s frustrating because we had just put some new resources out there about a month ago.”

But parents with children at the school, which caters for youngsters aged two to 19 with special educational needs, have rallied around and yesterday afternoon had raised £3,765 online for new toys, scooters and bikes.

So far more than 200 people have donated via an online crowdfunding page widely promoted on Facebook.

Mr Riches added: “I would like to reiterate my thanks to the community who have quickly responded to support us.”

Last year, the school’s playground was revamped to the tune of £30,000, of which £15,000 had been raised by parents and friends.

School governor Sarah Stevenson, whose son Jack, nine, has Down’s Syndrome and who helped create the webpage, said: “The play area is really important to kids. It’s time to build social relationships, which can be difficult for children with special needs.

“They would have been going into school with no toys but it has been flooded with donation.

“We are just delighted. We didn’t think the donations would build to this extent. It’s amazing.”

Parent Claire Wyatt said: “My little girl Sophia is always playing right where that shed was and before going to Bardwell she couldn’t ride a bike.

“I remember watching them learning to ride and it’s just upsetting to hear about the fire destroying all the toys, especially on new year’s day.

“I cannot believe the support we have had.

“We are very grateful.”

Thames Valley Police spokesman Jack Abell said no-one was hurt in the fire.

This afternoon the force appealed for witnesses who might have seen the fire or anyone acting suspiciously.

Investigating officer Sergeant Simon Woodman, based at Bicester police station, said the arson could have been 'devastating'. 

He added: "The school’s buildings were thankfully not damaged in the incident however the consequences of arson can have a devastating impact, particularly if pupils and staff had been present in the school at the time.

“Incidents such as this do have a significant effect on many people and we are working to identify and locate the offenders."

No arrests have yet been made but anyone with information is asked to call 101.

To donate to the appeal visit here.