Primary school evacuated after fire breaks out

A primary school was evacuated following a fire.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Ormiston Cliff Park Primary Academy, in Orde Avenue, Gorleston, at 13:16 BST to reports of a blaze.

The service said the fire was brought under control with the use of an aerial ladder platform, and all children had been accounted for.

Paul Seaman, head of operations at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We will remain on scene and do whatever is required to support the school and the local community to a full recovery following this incident."

Trevor Fuller, who had been driving on the A47 near Hopton, said he saw "thick black billowing smoke" in the area.

"As I got up the road, it was billowing out of the school," he said.

"I could see at least six fire engines in attendance... There were also probably six or eight police cars...the roads are gridlocked and I expect there's a lot of worried parents that have all raced over."

Police said a road closure was in place on Kennedy Avenue while the incident was being dealt with.

Ormiston Cliff Park Primary Academy thanked people for their cooperation and understanding in an online post.

It said: "Following the fire at the academy earlier this afternoon, we can confirm that everyone is safe and that all children have now been collected."

Crews from Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Acle, Carrow, and Wymondham attended the incident.

The fire service said the cause of the fire was unknown, but an investigation had started.

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