West Sussex school evacuated following incident

A number of pupils suffered allergic reactions at Chichester Free School in Chichester, requiring the aid of paramedics. Two of the students were taken to hospital.

South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed an amulance crew attended the scene and two fire engines and at least two police cars were also pictured in the school's car park.

Students at the school were commended for their 'mature response' to the incident.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to attend Chichester Free School in Hunston Road, Chichester, by the South East Coast Ambulance Service at 1.14pm today following reports of pupils suffering an allergic reaction to an unknown substance.

“Fire engines from Chichester and Bognor Regis were mobilised to the scene and upon arrival firefighters worked closely with Sussex Police and SECAmb paramedics to ensure all staff and pupils on site were kept safe while investigations were carried out to ensure there was no further risk present. Crews ensured the area affected was well-ventilated.

“There is not believed to be any wider risk to school pupils or staff, or the general public, as a result of this incident, and lessons have since resumed as normal.

“We left the school at 2.30pm.”

In an email to parents, principal Louise New, said: "At 1pm today in the secondary phase of the school, there were four allergic reactions which required the presence of ambulances and response medics. Due to the number and severity of these reactions we acted on the advice of the emergency services to evacuate the whole school to their outside zones.

"The year group bubbles were not broken during this procedure and I am very proud of the mature response from all of the pupils.

Primary pupils have now returned to class. Secondary pupils are being supervised in their outdoor zones and will return to the building for their final lesson of the day. Pick up time is as normal.

"The Emergency Services have praised the School's swift response to this incident and the pupils' calm and mature behaviour throughout."