A CLACKS school was targeted by firebugs this week, with a plastic bench set alight in a “deliberate senseless act”.

Flames were spotted on the grounds of Tillicoultry Primary School at around 7pm on Monday night.

Firefighters rushed to the scene to tackle the sizeable blaze, which was just feet from the face of the school building.

After it was extinguished, it became clear that the incident had not been an accident.

It is not the first time the vandals have targeted the school grounds, with the nursery being significantly damaged only a few months ago.

Officers have confirmed they have launched an investigation into the school blaze and are asking the public for assistance.

A statement from Police Scotland confirmed: “Between 7pm and 7.30pm, on Monday, December 12, at Tillicoultry Primary School, a plastic bench within the school grounds was destroyed by fire.

“This was a deliberate senseless act and as such the police at Alloa are appealing for any information in respect of this selfish act to contact them via 101.”

The fire comes just days after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued their winter safety message.

They are telling the people to keep themselves safe during the holiday season, which can often see a spike in the number of house fires.

And the situation is exacerbated by the fact firefighters attend more traffic collisions on the roads, caused by reduced driving conditions during ice and flooding.

The SFRS is urging families to stay safe this festive period by checking smoke alarms; making sure vehicles are winter ready and fitting a carbon monoxide detector.

Also, homeowners should also take care with decorations by making sure fairy lights are in working order and kept well away from paper or fabrics that can burn easily.

Decorations should never be attached to radiators and should be a safe distance away from fireplaces or candles

Finally, efforts should be made to engage with older relatives to make sure their alarms are working and to ensure they have an escape plan in case of a fire.

Assistant chief officer David McGown, director of prevention and protection for SFRS, said: “Every year across Scotland, there is a rise in emergency calls to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service due to winter weather.

“We urge the public to take action now and be prepared for whatever hazards might come in the next few months.

“This winter SFRS will work closely with local communities and partner agencies to keep Scotland safe from fire and other emergencies.

“But, as always, we need the public’s help to reduce the amount of preventable fires we might see in the coming months.”

Free Home Fire Safety Visits can be arranged by calling 0800 0731 999.