Children and staff at an Ipswich nursery damaged by fire last week are “extremely lucky” they weren’t in the building, a member of staff has said.

Little Learners Nursery marketing manager Ellie Roberts said that although four windows were blown out and the roof was singed – the structural damage it suffered could have been “much worse”.

The nursery, based in Landseer Play Centre on Hogarth Road, closed for a day last week after parts of it caught fire last Wednesday.

“We feel extremely lucky that the nursery didn’t suffer irreparable damage. It was declared completely safe within hours and we kept parents updated as much as we could”, said Ms Roberts.

“I don’t know why anyone would do this but police tell us that a thorough investigation is being carried out into the cause of the fire. Four windows shattered in our kitchens”.

At around 6.20pm on Wednesday, a number of fridge-freezers stored at the Ipswich Furniture Project on Hogarth Road were set alight.

Shortly afterwards, police were called to reports of a fire at Little Learners Nursery. Police say both incidents were arson and launched an investigation.

“I don’t know what goes through people’s heads. A week on and we are holding our heads high – we’re not going to let it affect us too much”, Ms Roberts added.

“We will be looking at tightening security around the buildings and working closely with police to find out why this incident occurred”.

A man was seen in the area at the time and is described as white, of a thin build, between 19 to 23 years-old. He was described as wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper, had a dark coloured bandana and white high-top trainers.

Ms Roberts added: “Parents are not concerned and we are reassured those involved will be caught”.

Witnesses or anyone with information about either incident should call PC Luke Burgin from Ipswich Police on 101, quoting crime reference 37/22981/16 or 37/22984/16. Or, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.