A FIRE at a former private school near Christchurch destroyed an outbuilding as work on a new multi-million pound care home on the site begins.

The blaze tore through an old classroom block at Homefield School in Winkton on Wednesday evening gutting the former mathematics and technology rooms, which were set to be demolished as part of the redevelopment.

Residents said the flames reached 40 feet as firefighters battled to gain access to the site and find water to extinguish the fire.

Winkton resident and Burton parish councillor Helen Gwinnett said: “The flames could be seen from above the main building.

“Everyone was very calm and thankfully it didn’t reach the cottages in front.”

Fellow resident Tom Blanchard added: “There were big diggers blocking the way into the place so the crews had to find access elsewhere.

“They had to try and find water from somewhere and couldn’t use the river. It seemed to be a real problem.”

A water carrier attended along with other support vehicles and crews used four main lines to fight the fire from the outside of the building.

Tom and Helen, who have lived next door to the dilapidated school for seven years, said the level of vandalism and destruction since the school closed in 2005 had been “horrendous”.

Henry Lumby, director at Quantum Lifecare who owns the site, said: “We’re very disappointed that this has taken place just as we begin to start work.

“We just want to get on with the work and transform Homefield into something residents can be proud of.”

Mr Lumby said the vehicles had been placed at the front entrance to prevent trespassers gaining access. Over the years police and firefighters have been called numerous times to reports of vandalism and fires.

Earlier this year, owners Quantum, who bought the site in 2010, were given planning permission from Christchurch Borough Council for a 64-bed care home and 29 age-restricted independent living units.

The plans were welcomed by residents keen to see something done with the rundown building.

Dorset Police confirmed the incident was being treated as suspicious and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 9:418.