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Blaze breaks out at city school | Blaze breaks out at city school |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A West Midlands secondary school was evacuated as a "serious" fire caused a building to collapse. | |
West Midlands Fire Service said the gym had collapsed and the rest of the Sidney Stringer School in Cox Street, Coventry, was "severely damaged". | West Midlands Fire Service said the gym had collapsed and the rest of the Sidney Stringer School in Cox Street, Coventry, was "severely damaged". |
At its height, more than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze which started at 1530 BST. | |
Pupils were being led out of the affected building when crews arrived. There have been no reported injuries. | |
A fire service spokesman added there were no reports of anyone being trapped inside the building. | |
'Shooting flames' | 'Shooting flames' |
The school is located in the Hillfields area of the city, quite close to the city centre. | The school is located in the Hillfields area of the city, quite close to the city centre. |
BBC Coventry and Warwickshire reporter Tom Cooke said: "You could see the flames shooting up into the sky. | |
"The entire area of Hillfields and this end of town is virtually shrouded in thick, grey smoke. | "The entire area of Hillfields and this end of town is virtually shrouded in thick, grey smoke. |
The fire engulfed a large part of the school | |
"The affected building is the sports hall area towards the rear, next to the big astro-turf pitch which is used by the school children and by football clubs during the week." | "The affected building is the sports hall area towards the rear, next to the big astro-turf pitch which is used by the school children and by football clubs during the week." |
Headteacher Brian Worrall said the school, which did not have a sprinkler system, would definitely not be open to staff and pupils on Wednesday. | |
Phil Loache, of West Midlands Fire and Rescue, said crews had managed to contain the fire to 40% of the building. | |
Asbestos has also been found and nearby residents are advised to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed. | |
The blaze took three and a half hours to be brought under control and crews are expected to remain at the site throughout the night. | |
The school, which specialises in maths and computing, takes pupils from 11 to 18 and has 1,150 on its books. | The school, which specialises in maths and computing, takes pupils from 11 to 18 and has 1,150 on its books. |
Are you in the area? Did you see the fire? You can send us your comments using the form below: | Are you in the area? Did you see the fire? You can send us your comments using the form below: |
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can click here to upload. Click here to see terms and conditions | Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can click here to upload. Click here to see terms and conditions |
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |