School gas leak 'idiotic prank'

Police have said an "idiotic prank" left almost 60 students and staff needing medical treatment after CS gas was discharged in a school.

Emergency crews were called to Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury, Manchester, at 1025 BST on Thursday.

Fifty-eight people were taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary after the gas was released in a science block.

Police are investigating what happened but say they suspect it was a joke that went wrong.

Two members of staff were walking along a corridor in the science building when they suffered breathing problems and became ill.

It is an idiotic prank by someone in the school that has had serious consequences Ch Supt Alan Cooper

Further staff and pupils were also later affected by the chemical discharge and 69 people received treatment by paramedics at the scene.

Of these, 55 pupils and three adults were taken to hospital with minor injuries, an ambulance spokesperson said.

Police are investigating how the gas canister came to be discharged in the school.

Ch Supt Alan Cooper said: "Our view is that it is an idiotic prank by someone in the school - probably a school pupil - that has had serious consequences."

The school was closed while the building was checked and pupils and staff were allowed back inside at about 1200 BST.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said those injured suffered minor breathing difficulties, eye irritation and nausea.

Parrs Wood High School head teacher David Ashley said fewer people had been affected by the gas.

He said: "An incident involving a suspected gas discharge took place in school yesterday morning.

"The school was immediately evacuated. There were no serious casualties and all those who were taken to hospital were released following examination.

"An immediate investigation into the incident has begun," he added.