Dramatic video footage has emerged of the moment parents attempted to scale the railings of a primary school in Willesden that caught on fire yesterday afternoon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuEEOKqcMqI

Children as young as two stood in the playground watching fire rip through the roof of St Joseph’s Primary School in Goodson Road, before a tower collapsed in the historic Victorian building.

Around 540 children and staff were safely evacuated as the flames tore through the roof and watched helplessly as the blaze took hold.

Onlookers also reported chaotic scenes as parents and pupils feared a red object, believed to be a gas canister, would explode.

Fire fighters brought the blaze under control six hours later at 9.06 pm and officers remain on the scene this morning to cool down remaining hot spots.

The roof of the building was completely destroyed by fire and most of the second floor was also damaged in the blaze but luckily no one was injured.

A statement on the school’s website informed parents that the school in would be closed today as the fire damage continues to be assessed.

The statement adds: “We are thankful that everyone is safe, we are grateful for the support from the community and we ask you keep us in your prayers.”

Parents are urged to check the school’s website for updates throughout the day.

Fire station manager Sean Madeley said: “Quick thinking fire-fighters laid down plastic sheeting in the lower floors to minimise water damage. Crews used aerial appliances to tackle the fire from above but this is likely to be a protected incident.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Have you or your child been affected by the fire at St Joseph’s? Please give the news team a call on 0207 433 0125 or contact us via Twitter on @bktimes.