SOME 60 firefighters, with eight engines, tackled a blaze at a specialist school for children with severe learning difficulties.

Part of the roof of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School in Kennet Road, Maida Vale, was destroyed by the fire on Wednesday at about 1pm.

One woman was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service after dozens of people were evacuated.

Station Commander Hardeep Dale said: “The school was safely evacuated before our crews arrived, and we are working closely with partner agencies to support everyone affected by the incident. Firefighters used two of the brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders as water towers to tackle the fire from above and bring the situation under control.”

The council-funded school is for four- to 19-year-olds with severe learning difficulties.

Crews from North Kensington, Paddington, West Hampstead, Kensington, Hammersmith and surrounding fire stations to the scene. brought the fire under control by 2.40pm.

The fire is believed to have been accidental, but the exact cause remains under investigation.