Pupils left terrified after Primary School in Harlesden catches fire

A primary school caught fire during school hours’ yesterday in Willesden.

A total of 540 pupils between the ages of 4 and 11 were evacuated from St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School on Goodson Road, Brent, as the fire tore through the roof of the building.

Annikah Belgrave, 21, Church Road said “I was walking around that area when I smelled burning, someone told me it was coming from St Joseph’s and in a panic, I started running towards the school to make sure my niece and nephew were safe as they go there.”

8 fire engines and 58 firefighters were called to the scene at 3:04pm, after the caretaker set the alarm, and spent several hours putting the fire out.

A pupil, aged 10, said “I was in my class and I smelled burning then the fire alarm went off and my teacher told us we all had to leave. I was upset because I had to leave my bag.”

There were no casualties as everyone inside was evacuated within 2 minutes though pupil’s coats, bags and P.E Kits were destroyed in the fire.

Mrs Titus, head teacher, wrote a letter to the pupils which said “The Catholic Children’s Society is going to help me replace them for you.”

The cause of the fire was accidental according to the London Fire Brigade Willesden.

All pupils have all been relocated to Newman Catholic College on Harlesden Road for 6 weeks while works on reopening the school continues.