Five people taken to hospital after reports of chemical spill at Staffordshire school

Five people have been taken to hospital following a reported chemical leak at a school in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said six people were exposed to the chemical at Biddulph High School in Knypersley at 10.15am on Tuesday.

The school later said this was due to a problem with science equipment.

Police, firefighters and paramedics, including the hazardous area response team, arrived at the school on Conway Road at 10.35am.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: Independent: “A man, a woman and three young people were treated at the scene and then taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further checks. The sixth patient was discharged at the scene.”

The chemical has since been “isolated and the building ventilated”, according to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesman said: “We were called to Conway Road, Knypersley, at 10.35am on Tuesday following reports of a chemical spill. Three vehicles attended the scene, along with colleagues from Staffordshire Police and the West Midlands Ambulance Service.”

They added: “Five people were taken to hospital by paramedics for a precautionary check.”

Biddulph High School and Sixth Form posted on Facebook saying: “Earlier today, an issue with science equipment was identified, emergency services attended following our normal processes and procedures.

“They have confirmed that the area is safe for normal operations to resume.

“We are grateful for the prompt and professional response of our staff and students and the support provided by emergency services. The welfare and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”