Children's nursery fire not thought to be arson

A fire that destroyed a children's nursery is not believed to have been started deliberately, the fire service has said.

The blaze engulfed two buildings at Tigers Day Nurseries on Turnpike Road, Thatcham, on Tuesday at about 01:30 GMT. The nursery for children aged from three months to five years has been closed ever since.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation was yet to start due to concerns over the converted barn's structural safety.

But it added checks to the outside of the buildings showed no indications the fire was deliberate. No injures were reported.

Owner Alison Huntley said she was "absolutely devastated and heartbroken" and added staff were working behind the scenes to work out how children can be accommodated.

She said the nursery, established more than 30 years ago, was the first Tigers site.

Thanking parents and staff for their patience, she said: "We are all going to work together and and get through this and come out the other side."

The nursery is expected to update parents on Friday.