Hundreds of children were evacuated after a Porsche exploded into flames outside a Sutton school.

The expensive convertible was completely gutted by flames near to Homefield Preparatory School in Western Road. 

Police and fire crews were called to reports of an explosion just after 9.10am.

Tom Mulligan, owner of the burnt-out Porsche, said: "I noticed it was on fire when I heard the explosion. That was a big giveaway - especially it not being Guy Fawkes night. 

"It wasn't even insured, so it wasn't an insurance job.

"It was total destruction."

Black smoke could be seen rising into the sky from the scene of the fire this morning.

Angus Harper, the school's bursar, said: "A member of staff saw that a neighbour’s car was on fire.

"He made a quick decision to call the fire brigade.

"We informed them it was in the car park area adjacent to the school. 

"We pressed the fire alarm and did a full evacuation.

“Messages have been sent to parents and the children were never at risk and it emphasised the reason we carry out regular fire drills."

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Black smoke from the car fire could be seen in the Sutton skyline this morning

London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent one crew from Sutton station.

A firefighter said the blaze had been caused by a mechanical defect.

He added: "The police were called to the school, but the school was not involved in the slightest.

"[The police were called] to reports of an explosion at the school."

"It was a mechanical defect that caused it."

A Sutton police spokesman said: "Police were called at 09.30am by a local resident to a report of an explosion in Western Road, Sutton.

"Officers and LFB attended to find a vehicle had caught fire whilst being repaired. LFB put out the fire.

"No one was injured. The loud noise may have been caused by a tyre bursting."

Firefighters remained in the road at about 10am.