Clayton, N.C. — Police on Wednesday were investigating a Tuesday night at the Circle of Love Child Care and Learning Center.

A Clayton police officer noticed a smell coming from the center, at 213 W. Main St., shortly before 10:30 p.m. and found that a fire had started inside the building.

Crews from Garner and Clayton fought the fire, which was in the rear of the building. After the fire was out, authorities cut a hole in the roof to air out the building.

The building sustained heat and smoke damage, fire officials said.

Police said, based on a preliminary investigation, it appears the fire had been set.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious near the day-care center between 9 an 11 p.m. Tuesday is asked to call the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-4611.

The center, which is owned by Datanya Betts of Raleigh, was closed Wednesday.

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