Offers of help have cushioned the blow for Larkrise School in Trowbridge after a suspected arson attack destroyed a shed of specialised equipment last Wednesday.

The school, for children with severe learning difficulties, lost equipment including scooters and tricycles tailored to aid children’s sensory and learning skills and the damage caused is in excess of £3,000.

Headteacher Phil Cook said: “I was shocked and quite despondent, especially as the likelihood is someone could have done this.

“It is having an impact on the children. As well as the shed, the fence, telegraph pole and adventure playground have been damaged. We have had to fence off two thirds of the playground.

“We have been helped by local businesses, parents and members of the public with financial donations and people bringing in equipment including a bike and tricycle.

“Although we had a negative start it makes you appreciate what people are prepared to do. We are incredibly well supported by the community.”

Acting Police Sergeant Jamie Darvill from Trowbridge Police Station said: “The children have already had to be kept out of the area where the fire took place because of the upset it is causing and there is no doubt that the cost of replacing these items and the time it will take will have an adverse effect on their learning.”

The fire was reported to police at 8.20pm and a pumping appliance from Trowbridge attended. Police are treating the fire as suspicious.

Guy Tadman, watch manager at Trowbridge Fire Station, said: “Our investigation ascertained there were no ignition sources in the shed, so the fire was of doubtful origin.”

Sergeant Jim Suter, from Trowbridge Police Station, said: “We are in close contact with the school, carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the vicinity and increasing our patrols.”

Witnesses can call Wiltshire Police on 101 or give information anonymously to Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.