Roof caves in after fire at derelict former school

A fire has swept through a Grade II listed derelict former school causing its roof to collapse.

The blaze in the three-storey former independent school Newell House, which closed nearly 26 years ago at Cornhill, Sherborne, broke out on Sunday shortly before 18:00 BST.

At its height, more than 35 firefighters from eight stations were sent to tackle the flames. Crews worked through the night to put the fire out.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said no injuries had been reported. The cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious and is being investigated by police.

People living nearby were urged to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution overnight due to the large amount of smoke.

Dorset Council's building control surveyors, along with independent structural engineers, remain on scene.

The fire also forced the closure of the A30 at Kithill with diversions in place.

Fencing has been installed and roads will remain closed until the site has been made safe.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened to see the substantial damage a fire has had on Newell House and our building control surveyors are on site with independent structural engineers and contractors to make the building safe. Road closures will remain in place while safety works are carried out.

"Dorset Council has been liaising closely with the owner of the Grade II listed Newell House for several years regarding the building's state and need for repairs.

"It is too early at this stage to say what the cost of any statutory emergency repairs will be. We will liaise with the fire and police services while investigations into the fire continue."