As clouds of thick smoke billowed from the roof of SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School, a crowd of people gathered behind a police cordon.
Some held out mobile phones and took pictures and videos while others watched on in disbelief. "It's just horrendous," said one parent, watching on helplessly as scores of firefighters attempted to bring the flames under control.
Ten fire crews descended on the primary school, in Great Lever, Bolton from 8.30am today (Thursday) after reports the roof was on fire. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. Images and video footage from the scene in Newport Road showed huge plumes of thick black smoke billowing out into the sky for miles around.
After firefighters arrived on scene, people living near to the school were urged to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut.
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