SCHOOLS are being hit by an “arson crimewave” which is putting the lives of children at risk and costing more than pound;1 million a week, the Arson Prevention Bureau said. Every week, 16 schools in Britain are likely to suffer an act of arson, running up a bill of pound;56 million a year, a rise of 30 per cent in five years. Jane Milne, the bureau’s chief executive, said: “The rise in daytime arson attacks on schools is alarming and poses an increasing risk to the safety of pupils. These attacks can cause severe disruption to pupils’ education, affecting the morale of the school for many years.”