Shanklea Primary School chaos as huge blaze rips through classrooms with black smoke filling sky

A shocking fire broke out and ripped through classrooms at a primary school sending plumes of thick black smoke into the air.

The blaze broke out at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington, Northumberland, today. Fire crews rushed to the scene to put out the raging school fire. Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service warned locals to avoid the area as shocking pictures show huge clouds of black smoke filling the sky above the school.

The emergency service said: "Crews are currently in attendance at a fire at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington. Five appliances are on site. Please avoid the area at this time. Thank you."

READ MORE: Ex-Asda manager jailed as judge warns 'you knew exactly what you were doing'

READ MORE: Met Office urgently asks UK households to follow 11am 'rule' this week

One local took to social media and revealed the extent of the terrifying cloud of smoke saying: "We saw all the black smoke from the A189." Another person said: "I was there it was horrendous."

It is currently unclear what caused the horrific fire and whether any people have been injured in the inferno.

The Mirror has reached out to Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service for a full statement.

This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , Twitter , Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.