Parents and toddlers were left without a nursery, after Whitton's Play Days nursery was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Earlier: Suspected arsonists torch church hall in Whitton, sparking police investigation

Julie Wild, who runs the pre-school group, spoke of her "utter devastation" at finding out the Percy Road hall, adjoining Whitton Methodist Church, was ablaze in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police have now launched an arson investigation into the attack.

Children and staff were supposed to be returning to the nursery today (Monday, September 14) but instead, the group is now desperately seeking temporary accomodation.

Ms Wild said: "One of my ex-parents lives in a block behind the hall and text me on Sunday morning to say it was on fire.

"I went down there at 4am and it was so devastating - we were due back today but now it is just a scene of shock, horror and utter devastation.

"It is horrific something like this could happen."

A Facebook group has been set up, asking people to donate toys, to replace those which were decimated by the fire.

Ms Wild added: "I'm just so grateful to the people who sent myself and my staff such lovely messages of support, offering to clean up and donate toys.

"We are hoping to sort out temporary premises and, as soon as we know, will inform our 44 families."

She said that when the group finds a location for people to drop off donated toys, they will notify them.

To see the group and find out how to help, visit tinyurl.com/qxlbw3k.