A police manhunt is intensifying after a balaclava clad man was spotted near a school building sent up in flames.

Suspects are said to have targeted one of Cheriton Primary School’s outbuildings, near Folkestone, in the late afternoon of August 15.

Now, police say witnesses reported seeing a suspect in the area, described as a man in his early 20s, around the same time.

He is said to have been wearing a black balaclava, gloves, a black hooded top, black shorts and a black backpack.

Two fire engines and police were called to the Church Road site shortly before 5.45pm where they were at the scene for almost an hour.

Last week, KentOnline showed pictures of the aftermath of the attack which decimated the grounds.

Two weeks on, officers continue to seek witnesses in a bid to help their investigation.

The damage led to the majority of the site's forest school area becoming engulfed in the blaze.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is being urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/137838/24.

People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.

Following the incident, the school, which caters for children aged four to 11, saw one of its former pupils kickstart a campaign in a bid to help it recover.

Folkestone's Tommy Whatman, 18, set up a fundraiser to help rebuild the grounds which has received more than £2,200 in donations already.

Those wishing to donate can do so here.

Cheriton's forest school features a hut, benches and a campfire and is used weekly by many of its 403 pupils.

The area allows youngsters to participate in outdoor learning sessions about subjects like wildlife, geography and the natural world.

The fire was also the third blaze to hit the area during the last month.

One broke out at the Risborough Court section of the Shorncliffe Heights development less than half a mile away on April 24.

This was alongside another incident at the same development on August 10.