Emergency services called out to fire at primary school in Newtown St Boswells

A school in the Scottish Borders has been taped off this evening after it was damaged in a fire.

Emergency services rushed to the Primary in Newtown St Boswells after the alarm was raised around 1.37pm this afternoon (Saturday).

Four fire appliances from Galashiels, Selkirk and Kelso attended the incident.

Crews had to put on breathing apparatus and use hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze, with the last pump leaving shortly before 3pm.

Images captured at the scene show the fire appearing to take hold of a fence near the entrance, and lapping the side of the building, while smoke could be seen blowing across the playground.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an incident occurred at Newtown St Boswells Primary School earlier today (July 25th) involving a fire. 

"Emergency Services are on site and we are working closely with them to assess the situation." 

It's unclear how much damage has been caused or if the fire is being treated as suspicious.

But Selkirkshire councillor Leagh Douglas pleaded with locals to stay away to allow the emergency services to respond to the incident.

Fellow councillor Caroline Cochrane has praised the emergency services for their quick response and helping to keep everyone safe.

"I was saddened to hear about the devastating fire at Newtown Primary School," she added.

"Schools are at the heart of our communities, and to see one affected in this way is heartbreaking."

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We've asked police for a statement.

The council says further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said :"We got the first call at 1.37pm and we had four pumps there.

"We left at 3.38pm. There were no reported casualties, it was a fire that involved the building."

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