Up to 100 firefighters tackled a major blaze which partly destroyed an academy school in a seaside town a fortnight before the end of the summer holidays.
Stacks of dense, acrid smoke were seen from miles around as 14 fire engines were sent to The Academy in Selsey, near Chichester, West Sussex.
The fire is believed to have started in the roof space just before 8am on Sunday before quickly spreading through large parts of the school amid winds of around 25mph.
More than 60 calls were received to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
In an effort to protect neighbouring homes, including some thatched properties, a small number were evacuated.
Other locals were told by emergency teams to keep their windows shut and stay indoors as black smoke poured from the building.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze.
A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We rule nothing out but at this stage there is nothing to suggest it was arson.”
Some parts of the school escaped unscathed but a massive effort will now be made as schoolchildren were due to return to classes on September 6.
The school said it would be making arrangements for students due to collect their GCSE results on Thursday.
No injuries were reported among members of the public and firefighters but a police officer directing traffic at the scene was reportedly hit at low speed by a car.