Hove: Investigation to take place into Blatchington Mill School fire

Firefighters tackled the blaze at Blatchington Mill School in Hove for hours after smoke was reported at 5.40pm yesterday.

At its height, six fire engines were on scene, as well as officers and other agencies.

There were no injuries and all people who were in the building have been accounted for.

One fire engine remained at the scene overnight, checking for hotspots.

As of 6.30am today the fire service has left the area.

The school, in Nevill Avenue, will be closed this morning. Teachers will make a decision whether to open in the afternoon once the damage has been assessed.

Firefighters were on scene for hours (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

A spokesman from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We will return to assess damage and carry out a fire investigation.

“No further details are being released at this stage.

“We would like to thank nearby residents for their patience during the operation last night.”

The school’s headteacher Kate Claydon said the full extent of the damage at the school is yet to be revealed.

In a letter to parents yesterday evening, Ms Claydon said: “All members of staff who were still in the building were evacuated safely and the emergency services are on the scene.

“We don't yet know the full scale of the damage and therefore we are going to have to close the school in the morning while we assess the situation and which parts of the school are safe to open.

“As you can imagine we are dealing with an ongoing situation and therefore we will update you as soon as we are able to share any more information.

“If we are able to open partially to any students later in the day we will communicate this as soon as we are able to.”

Dozens of shocked families were seen on the playing fields.

Our reporter on the scene yesterday said that at points the smoke was "so thick you could hardly see the school building from the fields".