School burns to the ground after ‘devastating’ 5am fire rips through building as ‘arson’ investigation starts after it appears a break-in was reported before it went up
- Firefighters rushed to the blaze at St Mary’s School in Darley Abbey, Derbyshire
- Crews were called to the scene of the fire following reports at 5am this morning
- Six crews tackled the blaze, which they say resulted in ‘total loss of a building’
A huge blaze has ripped through a Derbyshire school, with police investigating it as a possible arson after an apparent break-in before firefighters were called, according to reports.
Firefighters rushed to the scene of the blaze, at St Mary’s School in Darley Abbey, Derbyshire, after being called at 5am today.
Six crews spent the day tackling the blaze, which was said to be ‘well-developed’ when firefighters arrived.
Despite their efforts, the fire resulted in the ‘total loss’ of a building, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has said.
Meanwhile, police have today revealed they are investigating the cause of the fire, which is being treated as a potential arson, reports say.
According to the BBC, the city council was told an alarm was raised about a break-in shortly before the fire service was called.
These shocking images show the aftermath of a ‘devastating’ fire which ripped through a school in the early hours of this morning
Firefighters rushed to the scene of the blaze, at St Mary’s School in Darley Abbey, Derbyshire, after being called at 5am today
A spokesperson for the force said today: ‘On arrival firefighters were met with a well-developed fire.’
Residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed, due to the volume of smoke in the area.
School chiefs say they are devastated by the incident.
St Mary’s tweeted: ‘Thank you for all the kind messages of support we have received. The strength and faith of our school community and Trust will help us through this difficult time.’
Gavin Tomlinson, chief fire officer at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: ‘Another devastating school fire total loss of the building despite fantastic efforts by crews from @DerbyshireFRS.
‘We need to protect vital buildings like this with sprinklers. With support from @NFCC-FireChiefs.
‘I will continue to lobby for sustainable change within legislation.’
Others tweeted in support of the school, including fellow teacher Caroline Spalding, who said: ‘As a fellow Derby teacher, I wish your school community so much love and strength.
Six crews spent the day tackling the blaze, which was said to be ‘well-developed’ when firefighters arrived
Despite their efforts, the fire resulted in the ‘total loss’ of a building, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has said
‘You are all in my thoughts. I have no doubt your faith and strong MAT will help you find hope at an immensely difficult time.’
Road closures were put into place around the school while firefighters tackled the blaze.
Meanwhile, Derbyshire Police are investigating the incident.
In a statement on Twitter, the force said: ‘Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and anyone with information should contact the force with ref 160-031020.’
MailOnline has contacted Derbyshire Police for more deThe fire comes exactly a month after students were welcomed back to the school, which closed along with schools across the country following the outbreak of coronavirus.
Teachers were welcomed back a day earlier, and were greeted with a goodie-bag which included items such as candles, paper clips, tea bags and sweets.
In a tweet on September 3, school bosses said: ‘It was lovely to see our children back today. Lots of smiles could be seen everywhere.’