St Michael's Primary School remains shut after fire rips through building

Dozens of pupils are unable to attend classes today after a fire ripped through their primary school in South Gloucestershire.

The blaze began at St Michael's CofE Primary School in Stoke Gifford, near Bristol, shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday 8 December.

Flames took hold in a conservatory area of the building leading to Avon Fire and Rescue Service attending.

The fire was put out and there were no reports of anybody being injured.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated but is currently unknown.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We were called at 9.24pm on Sunday 8 December to reports of a fire in a building used as a school.

"Firefighters extinguished a fire in a conservatory area of the building.

"No-one was injured during the fire.

"The cause of the fire remains unknown, with fire investigation due to take place today."

South Gloucestershire Council's school closures website says that St Michael's remains closed on Monday.

The school's head teacher, Peter Barnard, has thanked the community for their support and has said they are working to reopen the site "as soon as possible".

He said: “We would like to pass our heartfelt thanks to our Site Manager and local residents for their quick action in spotting a fire at school last night and then summoning Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

“Firefighters attended at speed and in numbers, and with their usual professionalism, were able to bring a small fire that looked far more dramatic, under control, so that damage is limited to a courtyard structure and smoke damage to an adjoining corridor and classrooms.

“We do not know what caused the blaze and this is being looked into by investigators from Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Our property support and insurance assessors will advise on the remedial works needed and a timescale for any repairs.

“School is closed today to the majority of staff and all pupils. We will reopen as soon as possible, making sure we take the best care of our staff and children. We will issue an update when we have further information to share.

“Thank you very much for the offers of support and assistance from so many members of our local community.”