Shanklea Primary School chaos as fire rips through classrooms and smoke fills sky

A shocking fire broke out and ripped through classrooms at a primary school sending plumes of thick black smoke into the air.

The blaze broke out at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington, Northumberland, today. Fire crews rushed to the scene to put out the raging school fire. Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service warned locals to avoid the area as shocking pictures show huge clouds of black smoke filling the sky above the school.

A spokesperson for the service confirmed the fire involved solar panels on the school. They said: "A Northumberland Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We responded to reports of a fire at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington at 13.52 on Saturday 5 July.

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"Five appliances were in attendance with support from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue. The fire involved solar panels on the west side of the building.

"Crews used two hose reel jets and a covering jet to attack the fire, along with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus."

The emergency service earlier said: "Crews are currently in attendance at a fire at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington. Five appliances are on site. Please avoid the area at this time. Thank you."

Northumbria Police were also in attendance and they confirmed there were thankfully no injuries in the horror blaze.

They said: "Three crews are still in attendance, and Northumberland County Council are aware to further support."

A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of the fire which has taken place at Shanklea Primary school and are supporting the school with any arrangements that need to be made ahead of Monday."

One local took to social media and revealed the extent of the terrifying cloud of smoke, saying: "We saw all the black smoke from the A189." Another person said: "I was there it was horrendous."