NURSERY and reception classrooms together with a dining hall were destroyed in a fire which ripped through a primary school this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to Red Lane Primary School in Breightmet at around 1.45pm to a well developed fire which engulfed one of the school buildings. Thirty-two firefighters tackled the blaze at its height.

The fire broke out in a single storey 75 metres by 60 metres, building at the back of the school believed to be the nursery and reception area.

Red Lane was cordoned off by police at both ends and nearby residents were warned to keep their doors and windows shut.

READ MORE: Teenagers arrested following Breightmet primary school fire

The cause of the blaze is as yet unknown, but locals expressed concern that it could have been started deliberately.

Firefighters tackled the fire from four different areas to try to contain the flames.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said crews conducted a “methodical search of the school premises”.

Station Manager John Pratt, Incident Commander on Red Lane, said: "Our firefighters did an excellent job tackling a blaze which was well alight when we first arrived.

"Crews isolated the fire and extinguished the flames in four separate sections of firefighting, which proved a very effective method of extinguishing this fire. Our prompt action means a large portion of the school has been untouched by fire damage.

"Colleagues from Fire Scene Investigation are currently assessing the scene to work to establish a cause. GMFRS and our emergency service colleagues will be here in Breighmet into the evening."

The fire broke out as the school shut for the weekend for half-term holidays. Last time Red Lane Primary School was shut for the holidays the school was targeted by vandals.

Police issued a plea and a warning on Twitter about vandalism at the school which has included the smashing of windows.

Jade Gethins, who has three children who attend the nursery, Oakley, Lili and Ava, all aged four, said she was “gutted” to learn of the fire.

She said: “It’s going to be a nightmare. If they can’t go to school I can’t go to work. And it’s going to affect them, they love school. What are you going to say to them? Try telling a four-year-old the school has burnt down!”

Cllr John Byrne, for Breightmet ward, had been to the scene to check on residents living nearby.

He said: “I’ve checked on the neighbours they’re okay.”

Taylor Booth, who also has children at Red Lane, said her partner Ben Gerrard, a mechanic had offered his time to help with the clear up one weekend.

What the school has said: 

A joint statement issued by Craig Graham, chairman of BASE Academy Trust and Lisa Whittaker, executive headteacher of Red Lane, said: "The school is aware of a fire that has now been extinguished and investigations into the cause are ongoing. 

"Thankfully, it was confirmed there were no reported injuries. The school implemented its rigorous continuity plan and will be working to ensure children and staff return as planned after the half term. 

"The school will keep any affected parents up to date in due course. 

"Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 and the police will remain on site."