A secondary school has been destroyed this morning after a huge blaze ripped through the building – just two weeks before pupils were due to return following their summer holidays.
More than 50 firefighters are currently battling the devastating fire which started just before 8am this morning.
Witnesses have described 40ft flames and clouds of smoke billowing hundreds of feet into the air from The Academy in Selsey, West Sussex.
The smoke can be seen from several miles away, and there have been reports of ‘loud explosions’ at the scene.
Crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue service and Hampshire Fire and Rescue are attending the fire.
There are currently 10 fire engines there with around 50 firefighters battling to put out the blaze on School Lane.
Fire crews from neighbouring Hampshire were also at the scene at the seaside town, near Chichester, and a spokesman for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘It seems to be getting bigger.
‘Initially we sent two fire engines and then we sent another one. We’ve got about 15 firefighters there and an aerial ladder platform.
‘Some people won’t be going back to school.’
According to witnesses, the fire broke out in the playing fields in the school’s sports area, but spread quickly.
Police are warning people to stay away as there is asbestos in the air, according to one onlooker.
Witness Michael Varney, 56, described ’40 ft flames’ and billowing clouds of smoke.
‘The nurses turned up this morning and said they were lucky to get past School Lane because of the fire.
‘We went outside to have a look – I have never been this close to something so horrendous.
‘The fire was at the playing fields side of the school in the sports area, and while we have been looking at it, it has spread in all directions.
‘There are about 30 or 40ft flames with black smoke billowing hundreds of feet into the air.’
Onlooker Sheila Hulling added: ‘The fire is still burning with 10 fire engines attending.
‘Police are warning people to stay away as there is asbestos in the air.’
When the news broke earlier this morning Hampshire Fire and Rescue tweeted: ’08:16 @Emsworth26 and @HavantFire16 mobilised to assist @WestSussexFire with Pumps 6 Fire in Selsey’
A spokeswoman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: ‘We have sent two crews from Havant and one from Emsworth.
‘They have also asked us to send an aerial ladder platform.
‘They are currently using four jets, four breathing apparatus, and a ladder.’
‘We cannot give any further details at present.’
Formerly known as the Manhood Community College, The Academy in Selsey caters for up to 750 pupils in years seven to 11.
It was once the second smallest high school in West Sussex, and became an academy in September 2011.
The main school building dates from the early 1960’s, with new Drama and Music facilities added to the school in 2004 and a brand new sports hall and multi-use games area opened in December 2008.
Students were due to return to the school on September 6 for the beginning of the Autumn term.