POLICE are investigating the cause of a fire which destroyed half of a North-East school.

More than 40 firefighters spent five hours fighting the blaze, which broke out at West Moor First School, in Great Lime Road, West Moor, near Killingworth, North Tyneside, at 11pm on Tuesday.

The fire burned through the roof of the main hall, and there was also partial damage to the roof of some of the classrooms.

The caretaker of the school was evacuated from his home and neighbouring residents were warned to keep their windows shut and stay indoors.

The school had recently celebrated its 108th anniversary.

A replacement school, West Moor Primary, is being built and is expected to be ready in September