15 August 2012 Last updated at 14:09 ET

Kent school fires: One-third started deliberately

Over one-third of fires at Kent's schools were started deliberately, the BBC has learned.

Figures disclosed under a Freedom of Information Act request showed that between 2008 and 2011 there were 70 fires with 26 started deliberately.

Since 2009 almost 65% of fires in primary schools have been accidental.

Malcolm Tarling from the Association of British Insurers, said: "Sometimes arson attacks are a cover to disguise crimes such as theft."

He added: "Schools these days can house a variety of very expensive electrical and computer equipment which was very attractive to thieves."

The figures from Kent Fire and Rescue Service showed that between 2008 and 2011 over 40% of fires at the county's secondary schools were started deliberately.

James Finch from the service said that not all deliberate fires were classified as arson.

"The determination of accidental or deliberate is made by the crews attending and based on the evidence at the scene and their experience," he said.