Brimble Hill School evacuation: Everything we know so far

Emergency services rushed to Brimble Hill Primary School, in Tadpole Lane, just after 8.45am on Wednesday, September 13, after a “chemical smell” left several people feeling unwell.

This is everything we know so far...

Three people hospitalised

Three people attended hospital with “reported symptoms” as a result of the incident although their condition is not serious, the fire service said.

Both Brimble Hill and the neighbouring Uplands Schools were urgently evacuated while both Abbey Park School and Red Oaks Primary School were locked down due to their proximity to Brimble Hill.

Fire crews remained on scene throughout the day to investigate the smell, but no cause has been confirmed at this stage.

On Wednesday afternoon a spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from Westlea and Stratton attended and have been investigating the cause of the smell.

"The incident is ongoing and further specialist technical support is being provided by Avon Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the smell.”

Parents concerned over lack of information

Concerned parents were gathered outside the schools throughout the afternoon and told the Adver they were left concerned by the uncertainty of the situation.

One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Stop people speculating and just tell us what happened, that would be the right thing to do.

"We’ve heard all sorts of things, just tell us the truth and we won’t have to worry.

"Knowing we can pick them up at 3pm is brilliant, the schools have handled it fine, but their hands are probably tied with what they can tell us.”

Brimble Hill did not respond to a request for comment, but Swindon Borough Council confirmed their incident officers were on scene to aid evacuation.

A spokesperson said: “Our incident officers are currently on site and we are supporting both of the schools involved and those within the wider learning campus.

“We also made arrangements for children who receive transport to and from both of the affected schools to be picked up early.”

Uplands School added that they were “focusing on trying to get students on their way home”.

The nearby Abbey Park School, which was locked down during the incident, confirmed pupils were able to leave the site as normal at the end of the school day following advice from the fire service.

The Park Academies Trust, which includes Abbey Park and Red Oaks, said: "We want to reassure our parents and carers that all children have not been affected and are safe and well in another part of the building."