MORE than 30 firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire at the University of Chester Academy in Rudheath that has been branded 'malicious' by police.

The fire involved a single storey annexe and included the roof space.

Firefighters, two wearing breathing apparatus, used two hose reel jets and a covering jet to contain the blaze.

Two fire engines from Northwich, one from Middlewich, one from Knutsford, the hydraulic platform and supporting appliance from Stockton Heath and one fire engine from Holmes Chapel are all in attendance.

Crews were called to the scene at 5.47am.

The crews have been on a roof ladder, removing roof tiles and are commencing to inspect all of the roof spaces in the school.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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