A huge fire which tore through a primary school in east London a day before pupils are due to return from their summer break has been brought under control, emergency services said.
A large part of the single-storey structure has been damaged, although there are no reports of injuries.
He said: “Flames could be seen from some distance away and crews were faced with a serious blaze when they arrived on the scene.
UPDATE: #Dagenham #school fire – the fire’s been brought under control but we’ll be on the scene for the rest of the day. Fire investigators will begin as soon as remaining spots of fire are out. Updated lines: https://t.co/VXgQSTM3wq pic.twitter.com/FSsMs7cU7B
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) September 4, 2018
“They worked very hard to bring the fire under control but, given the intensity of the fire, there is unfortunately significant damage to the school.
“It is unfortunate timing that this fire has occurred just before the start of term.
“It is too soon to speculate on the cause of the fire but, as soon as they’re able to, fire investigators will enter the site to start their work.”
@LondonFire rodding primary school# Dagenham up in flames pic.twitter.com/7oBOWy61ib
— Jon h (@67jrde) September 4, 2018
A message on the school’s website said the Hewett Road building would be closed until at least Wednesday – which was due to be the start of the autumn term.
Fire crews are expected to be at the scene for the rest of the day.
