Children have been evacuated from a Stevenage primary school today after reports of a gas leak.

Fairlands Primary School was forced to close this morning after a gas leak was reported in the school’s upper buildings.

The school’s site manager Andrew Sharp detected the leak and it was quickly realised it could pose a danger to the children.

They quickly left their classrooms, many leaving belongings such as coats and packed lunches behind.

Parents and carers were asked to collect their children from the lower hall.

A message posted on the school’s Facebook page reads: “I can confirm that the gas has now been cut off to the upper building and the site made safe. Ongoing works are being undertaken to rectify the source of the problem as soon as possible, and we anticipate the school reopening after the half term holiday.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents and carers for all your messages of support and help in collecting the children so promptly.

“Well done to all the staff, who managed the situation so incredibly smoothly, and well done to the children – who behaved so sensibly throughout our evacuation.

“A special thank you goes to Mr Sharp, our amazing site manager, who detected the leak in the first place. He is truly the hero of the day.”

Children were unable to access the upper building during the evacuation somany of them have left personal belongings behind, such as coats and packed lunch boxes.

The school will be partially accessible on Saturday from 9am to 11am so parents can collect these.

They should go to the statue gate on the upper site, where staff will be able to help you.

Parents and carers should also look at the school website for further updates over the course of next week – see www.fairlands.herts.sch.uk/news.