A joint police and fire investigation will take place into the cause of a fire which ripped through a primary school.

Firefighters were called to SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School Great Lever at 8.30am.

Nearby roads were closed off to traffic.

The fire was said to have started in roof of the school, having been reported by nearby builders and by caretaking staff.

Extensive damage has been caused to the outstanding primary school.

Starting on one side of the roof, the fire then spread across it, with smoke being visible across Bolton.

Flames could be seen coming from the roof as around 80 firefighters battled the blaze at its height.

The Bolton News: Firefighters battling the blazeFirefighters battling the blaze (Image: UGC)

By midday, the flames had destroyed much of the roof with firefighters bringing it under control around 2pm.

Police were also on the scene cordoning off streets as emergency services worked to tackle the blaze.

CEO of Vantage Multi Academy Trust, Simon Bramwell, said: “The fire brigade were very quick to respond. It was spotted quickly by the school’s caretaking staff and nearby builders on site.

“Everybody got out safely.

“You see it on TV, but until you see guys putting asbestos suits on, you don’t realise how brave they are.

“We will keep parents informed, as we know parents will be worried what’s going to happen in September."

He added: “We will try and get something out early next week to parents with a view to what is going to happen.

“The important thing is that everybody got out and nobody was hurt. The fire brigade have been fabulous.” 

Mr Bramwell added: "The fire brigade are going to dampen down the fire overnight, police will be present overnight as well. 

"Fire investigators and CID will be back in the morning to investigate. 

"I have a meeting at midday with the buildings people, which parts are safe and which will have to be demolished. 

"We will have a better view of what's salvageable. We will then have a planning meeting on Monday to tell parents what will be happening at the beginning of September."

School headteacher, Katie Jones, said: "It is heartbreaking, knowing children are due to return in a couple of weeks time. 

"It's quite emotional. SSSJ is where myself, Simon and Liz Peacock started together in 2008. 

"It has a special place in our hearts." 

Liz Peacock, deputy CEO of Vantage Multi Academy Trust, said: "To see it like it is, with smoke coming out of it. 

"The school is at the heart of the community. It is the children's home where they come to.

The Bolton News: Plumes of smokePlumes of smoke (Image: Newsquest)

"In 15 years it has gone from strength to strength. 

"However, we will bounce back and we'll make sure the school is safe for children to go back to." 

One nearby resident said: "We saw it from about 8am/9am. It seemed like a mini-fire, then a few minutes later it started going up, then in two hours it was a massive fire. 

"It started on the left side, but the building was fine and the roof was fine. 

"There were some kids crying. My younger brother goes to the school." 

Bolton Council cabinet member for children's services Cllr Martin Donaghy says the authority now needs to ensure youngsters' education is not disrupted.

The Bolton News: Battling the blazeBattling the blaze (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "Obviously my first thoughts are with the parents, teachers and all the children at the school.

"But our priority as an authority now is to ensure that there is continuity of education provision come the start of the new school year and that there is no disruption."

He added: "The catastrophic loss of the building has got to be weighed against the fact that there was no loss of life and we pay tribute to the fire and rescue service for the incredible work that they do."

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “At 8.30am on Thursday August 17, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a school on Newport Road, Bolton.

“Ten fire engines from across Greater Manchester were quickly mobilised to the incident.

"The fire initially involved the roof space of the school hall.

“Firefighters remain at the scene, using breathing apparatus and hose reels to extinguish the fire. Road closures remain in place.” 

He added: “At the height of the response, 17 fire engines from across Greater Manchester were in attendance tackling a significant fire which broke out in the roof space of the school hall.

 “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the fire. As of 4.30pm, the fire was well under control thanks to the hard work of firefighters. Ten fire engines remain in attendance and crews will be on scene overnight damping down and ensuring the area is safe.”

For updates, see our live blog: UPDATES: Fire breaks out at school with nine fire engines on scene