Newtown Common school fire destroys boarding house roof

A fire has destroyed the roof of a boarding house at a private school.

Crews were called at about midday on Thursday to Horris Hill Preparatory School in Newtown Common, Hampshire.

At its height more than 50 firefighters fought the blaze, which was caused by ongoing renovation work, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said.

The school said the building was not being used and no children were in the area.

Crews and vehicles from 11 Hampshire fire stations as well as firefighters from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the three-storey building.

The fire was first reported when smoke was seen issuing from a loft, HIWFRS said.

Local residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke in the area.

The blaze was declared to be over at 19:30 BST but firefighters continued inspections throughout the night to check for hotspots.

HIWFRS said: "The building suffered significant damage in the fire which is believed to have been caused accidentally, due to renovation work."

Head teacher Rob Stewart said: "Immediately prior to the alert given by our smoke detection system, external contractors had been completing works to the roof.

"The building in question had been under refurbishment for the past nine months. An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire and school has resumed as usual today."

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