THE blaze which ripped through a derelict former primary school in Hereford “may have been started deliberately,” police believe.

Police and firefighters were called to reports of a fire at the old Broadlands Primary School in Tupsley on Saturday evening.

Six fire crews from across Herefordshire raced to the site of the disused school, which has been empty since 2015 and is scheduled for demolition.

Crews from Hereford, Fownhope, Ewyas Harold and Bromyard battled the flames at the derelict school, described as being "well alight", fighting the fire using a hosereel jet and main jets with two firefighters using breathing apparatus.”

Hereford Times: Fire at the old Broadlands Primary School in Hereford. Picture: Duncan DavidsonFire at the old Broadlands Primary School in Hereford. Picture: Duncan Davidson

People living in the surrounding housing estate were warned to keep their windows closed and avoid the area as heavy smoke billowed from the building.

The blaze was brought under control and put out by 11pm, but firefighters remained to dampen down hotspots through the night.

Western Power and Welsh Water also attended to isolate electrics and water supply respectively.

No-one was injured in the fire, which led to the collapse of parts of the building.

Police said officers were called to the derelict school in Prospect Walk, Hereford at just after 6.45pm.

“Officers responded to the incident, which we believe may have been started deliberately,” a police spokesperson said.

“If anyone has information that could help police with their enquiries they should call police on 101 quoting incident 548s of January 11.”

Hereford Times: The derelict building has been seriously damaged by the flames. Photo: Charlotte MoreauThe derelict building has been seriously damaged by the flames. Photo: Charlotte Moreau