The fire service has said it believes the fire was ‘likely to have been started deliberately’ and a police have now launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Our photographer has been at the scene and captured the extent of the damage.
1. Roof is severely damaged
The fire service has confirmed that the roof of the former school has been severely damaged in the blaze. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Firefighters tackle blaze at former school
Firefighters spent more than five hours tackling the blaze at the former Sunderland school.
Photo by Image by Anthony Issac Fisher. Photo: Image by Anthony Issac Fisher.
3. Aftermath of the fire
Our photographer Stu Norton captured how the former Simpson Street School looked in the morning after the fire. Photo: Stu Norton
4. Fire service report severe damage
The fire has caused significant damage to the roof of the former school building.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have reported how 30% of the building severely damaged by the fire. Photo: Stu Norton