TOXIC fumes engulfed a Gwent town as emergency services battled in a blaze at a former primary school riddled with asbestos.

More than 70 firefighters and 20 police officers all wearing protective masks or breathing apparatus surrounded the fire at the former Willowtown Primary School, Ebbw Vale last night.

Residents in neighbouring Brynheulog Street, Garfield Street and Alfred Street were told to stay in their homes as the flames reached heights of 30ft above the school building.

Thick black smoke could be seem billowing from the blaze from as far away at Tredegar and Brynmawr.

Emergency services received the initial call at 8.45pm.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service sent six appliances with supporting special appliances including water bowsers, hydraulic platforms and chemical incident units to the scene.

These were called from Blaenau Gwent depots at Ebbw Vale, Blaina, Brynmawr, Abertillery and Tredegar as well as from Merthyr, Caerphilly, Aberdare, New Inn, Rhymney and Abercarn.

Last night, leading officer at the scene Inspector Tony Green said that it was too early to speculate the cause of the fire.

Gwent Police used megaphones to call on residents to stay in their homes.

It is estimated that 65 homes were affected by the incident, although the blaze was contained to the school building.

This morning, a fire service spokesman said: "Officers are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.

"An evacuation of the area was considered with the roof of the school containing potentially harmful asbestos, but in the end police knocked doors and advised local residents to close their windows."

Firefighters battled through the night to get the fire under control and it was finally extinguished at 3am.

They are still at the scene damping down this morning before an investigation team start their work today.

Building was magnet for vandals THE fire comes just a week after the Argus reported the 100-year-old building had become a magnet for vandalism.

The school, which closed in December to be replaced with a new multi-million pound building nearby, had become a magnet for vandalism and was due to be demolished to make way for houses.

Last night one resident, who was prevented from going back to her home in Garfield Street where her daughter and grandchildren were trapped at home, said: "We have had nothing but problems with the school since it closed.

"There are always kids hanging about and causing trouble there."

Another resident, who used to attend the school added: "It's terrible to see it end up like this. It was such a lovely school."

MP Dai Davies and Rector of Ebbw Vale Rev Geoff Waggett were also at the scene to ensure that residents were safe and well.