Firefighters are battling a blaze in a Hove school this evening.
Smoke began billowing from Blatchington Mill School in Frant Road, off Court Farm Road, Hove, a little before 6pm.
Shortly before 7.30pm, parents were sent a message from headteacher Kate Claydon saying the school would be closed tomorrow morning.
At its height, six fire engines were on the scene. By 9pm, operations were being scaled back.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says that everyone is accounted for and asked people to avoid the area. People living nearby should close their windows and doors
The fire service says the fire is in the ground floor of the building and there are no injuries.
In the video above, shot by Nina Elliot-Newman, large clouds of smoke can be seen billowing from the school, with sirens heard in the background.
Parents at the school said the cricket pitch was evacuated earlier this evening. Staff looked shocked and upset.
The message from Ms Claydon says: “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.”
In a statement, the fire service said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 5.42 pm on Wednesday 17 January 2023 to reports of smoke at Blatchington Mill School in Hove.
“As of 6pm we have four fires engines and officers at the scene.
“All persons have been accounted for.
“Please avoid the area.
“A further update will be provided at around 7pm.”
Shortly after 6.30pm, the fire service tweeted: “As of 6.30pm we remain on scene. There is a lot of smoke in the air, so please keep doors and windows closed and continue to avoid the area. Thanks.”
The website was then updated to say: “As of 6.30pm, we are continuing to fight the fire which is affecting the ground floor of a building.
“Crews are using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets.
“There is a lot of smoke in the air so please keep doors and windows closed, and continue to avoid the area.
“There are no reports of injuries.
“Police are also in attendance.”
At about 7.30pm, the website was updated to say: “As of 7.30pm, we have six fire engines and fire officers at the scene.
“Crews continue to use breathing apparatus and hose reel jets as well as thermal imaging cameras.
“Good progress is being made.
“The next update will be after 9pm”
Shortly after 9pm, the fire service tweeted: “We are now scaling back operations at the scene in Hove. Firefighters are working to clear smoke from the building.
“A fire investigation will take place in due course.”
What area of the school is it
its in the canteen. foodtech, pshe, and design are also in that area