Tenby school fire: Manorbier pupils evacuated after blaze

The roof of the school was wrecked by the blaze

A primary school has been closed and all pupils have been evacuated following a fire.

The fire at Manorbier School, in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, broke out on Monday morning and parents were asked to collect their children.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been extinguished, but had destroyed a large section of the roof.

Pembrokeshire council said all pupils and staff were safe and well.

The council said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the fire, adding that all children would learn online from Tuesday.

The blaze has now been put out but firefighters are remaining at the scened

The fire service said an area of roof, about 20m (66ft) by 20m, had been destroyed, with the school suffering "considerable damage".

Adjoining buildings sustained some damage, with a spokeswoman adding: "Crews main activities involved firefighting and prevention of escalation to other buildings."

All firefighters have now left the scene, with responsibility passed to the local authority.

It broke out at Manorbier School, in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, on Monday

A council spokesman said: "Pembrokeshire County Council is aware of a fire at Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and can confirm that all children and staff are safe.

"Parents and carers are asked to please collect learners from Buttyland Caravan Park using the Norchard Lane route as the usual route to the school is currently closed."

Damian Brown, who owns Buttyland Manor Caravan and Camping Park, next to the school, said he saw the fire and rushed to help.

The smoke from the fire can be seen from a nearby caravan park

"We just saw the smoke billowing from the school and I ran straight up there," he said.

"In fairness the school teachers had done an amazing job and all the pupils were outside.

"The school roof has completely gone and it looks like property next to school has gone as well."

He added the community was in shock, saying: "It's traumatising to see a school on fire. I saw the smoke and went over and the children were already outside and the parents then collected them from the clubhouse.

"It's a lovely old building and it's a shock to the community. We're glad everyone is safe and well."

Ben Jones and Lulu Leo were visiting the area from Swansea.

Mr Jones said: "We came on the train to see Manorbier Castle and as we came off the train, people started turning back and said 'the school's on fire'.

"We walked past as they were pouring water on the building."

Ms Leo said: "The smoke is really strong. Earlier I felt like I had a headache and a bit of a cough so we put a mask on to walk by."