Students returned to Kingston College this morning after last night’s fire caused by an electrical fault.

College staff were waiting for advice from firefighters, as to whether or not it could open, after ventilation ducts sucked smoke-filled air from the annex into the main building.

Four fire engines were scrambled to the campus after receiving an emergency call at 6.09pm last night.

About 100 people were evacuated within about five minutes of the alarm being raised.

A spokesman for Kingston College said: “Following the fire which broke out at Kingston Hall Road last night, we can confirm that one classroom has been affected and Kingston College reopened this morning, operating as usual.

"The fire brigade report has confirmed the cause as an electrical fault on a piece of equipment.

"All similar appliances will be removed for further testing to ensure the safety of students and staff at the college.

"The college security team was praised by the senior fire officer for the swift evacuation procedure."