CHIPPENHAM NEWS: TEACHERS in Chippenham are warning pupils about the dangers of playing with fire after a teenager was set alight on his way to school.

A 13-year-old Hardenhuish School pupil has been expelled following an attack on a classmate in Hungerdown Lane.

The boy, who has not been named, lit nail varnish remover after throwing it on a youngster's bag. He then used an aerosol as a flamethrower, singeing the back of the pupil's head.

Headteacher Colin Smith said the school had taken prompt action against the teenager after the incident on March 18.

"Following an incident which took place outside the school, we have taken firm and unequivocal action to deal with one pupil who will not return to school," he said.

Police in the town are stepping up their fight against teenage arsonists who have left a £10,000 trail of destruction around the town.

To help combat the problem, officers say they will work closely with schools to highlight dangers.

Mr Smith said he would be happy to help police stamp out arson.

"With regard to the wider issue of the safety of the community, the school always tries to work closely and in full co-operation with the police and we will continue to do so," he said.

"We also work with neighbouring schools and track any concerns through our health and safety committee which reports to school governors.

"When we believe it to be helpful we will, of course, speak to individuals and groups of pupils who we expect to have responsibility to look after their community, care for it and help keep it safe."

Uniform and plain clothes officers will attempt to snare troublemakers before warmer weather increases fire risks.

Seven arson offences have been recorded in the town since the beginning of the year and, over the same period, there have been a further nine suspicious fires. The total cost of damage is estimated at £10,000.

Just last week a car fire near the Hygrade factory, in Chippenham, threatened to blaze out of control. A spokesman for the fire service said an investigation was underway, but believed the car was carrying flammable chemicals.

A fire engine from Chippenham was called to the blaze last Wednesday and, using two hose reels, the fire was extinguished.

Anyone with information about arson attacks can phone Chippenham Police on (01249) 654455 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.