FIRE chiefs believe a blaze that destroyed a Kent primary school started in a light fitting above the staff room.

More than 200 school children escaped unhurt as flames ripped through Lympne primary school, near Folkestone, on Wednesday morning, destroying it within minutes. It will now be demolished.

Group manager for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Paul Flaherty, said: “A team went in, but when we discovered the fire was above us in the roof, the team was brought out as it was too dangerous.

“We believe it started in a light fitting above the staff room. A great deal of smoke started coming from the tiles. We got to it from up above with the turntable ladder."

Deputy head Joyce Rhodes said: “There was a flash in a Year 6 classroom. The teacher saw a spark from the light, got the children out and alerted the office. They called the fire brigade."

“As soon as the staff saw flames they took all the children across to the village hall and teachers started phoning parents."

The children may back in class by next Monday. County council officials are looking at possible alternative accommodation.

Ian Craig, from KCC, told the BBC: "We will try to keep all the children together. We want to maintain the school into the future. It is a popular school on a good site, so it hits all the buttons we want it to hit."

FULL STORY AND PICTURES IN THE HYTHE AND ROMNEY MARSH AND FOLKESTONE EDITIONS OF THE KENTISH EXPRESS