Shropshire Star

School remains closed after 'stink bomb ' incident

Students and parents were today unable to attend their school for a third day after an alert caused by a stink bomb.

Published
Emergency services gathered outside the school following the stink bomb incident. Picture: Brecon & Radnor Express.

Builth Wells High School was evacuated on Wednesday morning, after reports that 20 people were exposed to a 'noxious substance'.

Exams had to be stopped and the school grounds were evacuated with police moving in to deal with the matter.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Welsh Ambulance Service were called and 20 people were treated after reporting breathing difficulties and nausea.

It is not believed to be a dangerous substance and a 17-year old boy was arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

Classes were evacuated at exam time following the incident. Picture: Brecon & Radnor Express.

The Welsh Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle to the scene, while a hazardous substances team were said to have been sent from Cardiff.

The school remained under the control of police officers today.

Police said it was an isolated incident not linked to terrorism, however the school remained close on Thursday afternoon and was due to remain closed on Friday and in the hands of police.

On Thursday afternoon, the school posted on social media: "The police are still in control of the school site and staff have no access. The school will remain closed until further notice. We will keep you informed via our website, Twitter and Facebook.

Builth Wells High School. Photo: Google StreetView.

"We would like to reassure pupils sitting exams tomorrow that if the school remains shut alternative arrangements are in place.

"Any concerns that have been raised will be taken up with the relevant authorities."

Some exams were disturbed by the evacuation and pupils completed their exams in the nearby Pavilion, and the exam board were informed of the circumstances.

Exams on Thursday took place in The Strand Hall on Thursday, and today pupils were due to be taken to the nearby Llandrindod High School to complete exams.