Blatchington Mill School will remain closed following Wednesday evening's fire.

Firefighters tackled the blaze at the school in Nevill Road, Hove, for hours after smoke was reported at 5.40pm.

At its height, six fire engines were on scene.

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

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service left the scene at 6.30am.

All members of staff and visitors were evacuated safely.

A 16-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

On-site investigations are under way to make the site safe and determine the scope of damage.

Brighton and Hove City Council said this will be critical to informing the wider decisions being taken by the school’s senior leadership team in reopening the school “as quickly as possible”.

Blatchington Mill headteacher Kate Claydon said: “While we do not have many confirmed details to share at this time, the safety, education and wellbeing of our students and staff is our highest priority.

“This situation is going to require patience and resilience as we partner with key services and the local authority to reopen the school.

“We appreciate the outpouring of support and goodwill that we have received from residents, other schools and our community.

“We will continue to keep Blatch families updated throughout the days and weeks to come with details as they are confirmed.”

Councillor Jacob Taylor, who is co chairman of the city council’s children, families and school’s committee, said: “We’re very sad to hear about the devastating fire at Blatchington Mill.

“My heartfelt thanks to all the emergency services who attended overnight to get the fire under control and manage the situation.

“Council staff will be working closely with our colleagues in the school to do all we can to keep disruption to pupils to a minimum.”