by Nicola Jordan

A blaze broke out at Rainham Mark Grammar School in the early hours of this morning - destroying the science block.

Firefighters battled against thick black acrid smoke to stop it spreading to other buildings at the school in Pump Lane.

It is believed it was sparked by a faulty battery tester in the laboratory.

Head teacher Simon Decker said: “I can’t thank the fire crews enough. They were here within three minutes and averted what could have been a real disaster as we keep a lot of chemicals in rooms near by.”

Twelve firefighters from Medway wearing breathing apparatus used a special fan to pump air into the block to prevent an explosion.