SICK arsonists tried to drown pupils’ pet rabbits after they torched a special school’s mobile classroom.

Teachers were devastated after the mindless thugs also broke one of the bunnies’ legs during the attack at St Christopher’s School, Wrexham.

Four fire crews arrived after neighbours spotted smoke coming from the school on Stockwell Road, at 8.39pm on Thursday.

It burned out part of the classroom, but firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

School staff later discovered the arsonists had used a hose to try to drown half a dozen rabbits, which are kept in school hutches, and had broken one of the frightened animals’ legs.

Deputy headteacher Richard Williams said: “Deliberate destruction is one thing and to be condemned, but wanton cruelty like this has really made staff angry.

“It is sickening.

“They have tried to flood the rabbits out with a hose.

“Who could do such a thing?”

Maxine Pittaway, headteacher said the school was open yesterday.

But the independent living area, where pupils learn skills like how to cook, had been badly damaged and was unusable.

Detectives have launched an investigation.

North Wales Fire and Rescue County Safety Manager for Wrexham Paul Whybro said: “We must try and put a stop to this type of pointless vandalism and anti social behaviour which is putting public buildings at risk from fire.

“This fire could easily have spread and the damage could have been unthinkable.

“Luckily, on this occasion, neighbours noticed smoke coming from the building.

“I would like to praise these individuals for their actions, and encourage residents in the community to keep an eye on buildings and homes in their neighbourhood.

“Deliberate firestarting ties up resources that could be saving lives elsewhere, and puts the lives of both the public and firefighters at risk. Arsonists are destroying their own communities.

“I am appealing to all members of the community to report the perpetrators of deliberate fires, and for deliberate firestarters to think about the consequences of their actions.

“Arson is a serious crime and in conjunction with North Wales Police we will pursue prosecutions.”

Anybody with information on the attack is asked to call 0845 607 1002 (English Language line), 0845 607 1001 (Welsh language line) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.