Up to 100 firefighters battled a major blaze at a secondary school, amid reports of loud explosions.
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Pupils face disruption to the start of the new school year after a huge fire ripped though Selsey Academy, near Chichester in West Sussex, on Sunday.
About fifty firefighters are battling a serious blaze which broke out at a school this morning in a seaside town.
More than 60 calls were received to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
“I’m also glad that we were able to protect the neighbouring properties including the thatched houses that are part of Selsey’s appeal”.
“There is no reason to believe this was accidental, and that points towards a deliberate ignition, but we will not know for sure until the investigation is concluded”. One officer directing traffic had to be taken to hospital after being hit by a auto, though his injuries are not thought to be serious.
The fire service said more than 75 per cent of the school building was engulfed by flames.
Around 400 pupils are enrolled at the school, and with the new term set to start in only two weeks’ time, plans are being put in place for where they will all go.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gavin Watts said: “Unfortunately on this occasion there was little that could be done to stop it spreading so quickly and it is a sad sight to see such a local asset so badly damaged. It’s shocking. The structures are effectively a skeleton now compared to what they were”, he added. “Our priority is to ensure the children of the Selsey Academy can return to school as soon as possible”.
A TKAT spokesman said: “The safety and welfare of our pupils, staff and communities is of utmost importance and we are working closely with the emergency services to ensure this happens”.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established and no injuries have been reported so far.
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“They remain on site at the moment”.
