An extensive fire is ripping its way through a Sussex school.

More than 75 firefighters are currently trying to contain an extensive fire at Selsey Academy.

Eye-witness pictures and video show plumes of black smoke and flames coming out of the school building in School Lane, Selsey.

One resident said they heard multiple explosions from the building.

The first reports of the fire were made at about 8am with residents making more than 60 calls to Sussex Control Centre.

East Sussex and Hampshire crews have joined their West Sussex counterparts at the scene with ten fire engines now battling the blaze.

West Sussex County Council and The Kemnal Academies Trust have said they are working together to make sure plans are in place for the start of the new term in September.
 
West Sussex County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “Our thanks as always go West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for dealing with the blaze at Selsey Academy so promptly and efficiently and to all our partners who helped them, including Hampshire Fire and Rescue, Red Cross volunteers and the local community who did so much to support firefighters and staff with donations of food and water.
 
“This was an extensive fire and we know that the level of damage has yet to be properly assessed, although we anticipate it will be severe.
 
“We will be working with the headteacher at Selsey Academy and the Kenmal Academies Trust to support pupils, parents and staff.

"Our top priority will be ensuring that pupils and parents to know where they will be based from the start of the new school term in September.”
 
A spokesman for TKAT, the Trust which runs Selsey Academy, added: “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.

"Our priority is to ensure that the children of the Selsey Academy can return to school as soon as possible.”
 

Father Andy Wilkes, rector at St Peter's in Selsey and a firefighter, tweeted: "Prayers for firefighters and all involved after large explosion and fire in #Selsey just now"