Darul Uloom School fire: Pupils and staff evacuated

A fire overnight at an Islamic boarding school in south east London is being treated as suspicious by police.

About 128 pupils and staff were evacuated from Darul Uloom School, in Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst, on Saturday.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 23:43 BST. Two men were treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.

London Fire Brigade said there was minor damage to the building and 21 firefighters tackled the blaze.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: "The fire affected a small part of a school building and there was heavy smoke throughout."

Firefighters managed to get the fire under control by 00:37.

Bob Neill, MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, said: "It's obviously something to be concerned about and we need to find out more about it.

"I've spoken to the police and fire and they are investigating.

"It's too early to jump to conclusions and they need to check out the cause."

In a statement the Metropolitan Police asked for "members of the public to remain calm and not to speculate as to the cause of the fire."

'Vulnerable locations'

They added that there was also an increased police presence around "potentially vulnerable locations" across London to provide reassurance.

Pupils and staff were able to return to the school building on Sunday morning.

According to its website Darul Uloom London was established in 1988.

The premises comprise of "130 boarding rooms in addition to classrooms, dining hall, assembly hall, prayer hall, gym, playing fields... Each room is shared by two boys."