The Police Service Northern Ireland is treating as arson fires in two separate schools in Belfast last night.
Fire was discovered shortly before 10 p.m. at St Patrick’s secondary school on the Ballinderry Road in Lisburn. Major damage was done to a mobile classroom.
St Bride’s primary school at Derryvolgie Avenue on the Lisburn Road in Belfast was also attacked at about 10.25 p.m. Four cars parked in the school grounds and some walls were defaced with paint.
Nationalist politicians condemned the arson attacks.
Ms Patricia Lewsley of the SDLP said the burning of a mobile classroom at St Patrick's High School in Lisburn was "a deplorable attack".
Sinn Fein's Mr Stephen Long described the attack on St Brides Catholic school as "completely reprehensible". Those responsible were clearly intent on stirring up sectarian tensions, he said.
"The attacks on schools in this area, and schoolchildren in other areas, are singling out some of the most vulnerable elements in our society.
"Those who would carry out such attacks are the enemies of peace."
A major security operation was mounted this morning outside schools across north Belfast to protect teachers and pupils, following a threat from the loyalist Red Hand Defenders.
The paramilitary group said staff at Catholic schools in the area were now being considered "legitimate targets".