Builth Wells High School has been closed after a suspected smoke bomb went off in one of the classrooms.
Staff and pupils were told to leave the school as a precaution and police are investigating.Some members of staff reported feeling unwell and pupils taking their exams have been relocated to the town's pavilion. The leisure centre adjoining the school was also evacuated.The school's acting head Catrin Taylor said the school's priority in making the decision to shut the school was "the health and well-being of the pupils and staff". It is hoped the school will reopen tomorrow (Thursday). The incident was reported to emergency services at 11.20am.Ms Taylor said: “We can confirm that an incident took place at the school this morning when a suspected smoke/sulphur bomb went off. "All pupils and staff were evacuated as a precaution and there are no reports of injury although some members of staff were reported as feeling unwell. "Police and other emergency services have been informed of the incident and are on-site investigating. "The school has been closed for the day and school transport operators have been informed. "The school’s highest priority is the health and well-being of pupils, staff and the school will remain closed until emergency services complete their investigation and given the all-clear. "Pupils involved in examinations have been relocated to the Pavilion to continue with their work. "It is hoped the school will re-open tomorrow (Thursday) and pupils and parents will be informed as soon as there is a decision." Dyfed-Powys Police said mid-morning they were investigating the incident and asked people to stay away from the area.A police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police and the fire and ambulance services are responding to an incident at Ysgol Calon Cymru, College Road, Builth Wells. As a precaution the school and neighbouring leisure centre have been evacuated. People are asked to avoid the area while multiple agencies deal with the incident.”
Powys council said pupils and staff had been evacuated on to the school playing field before the decision was made to shut the school.
A council spokesman said: "We can confirm an incident has taken place at Builth Wells High School resulting in its evacuation for the safety and well being of pupils, staff and any visitors.
"Police are on site and are asking the public to stay away from the area as a precaution.
"We have not received reports of any injuries."The ambulance service said it sent two emergency ambulances and a rapid response vehicle as well as members of its Hazardous Area Response Team to deal with the incident.An ambulance service spokesperson said: "We were called at approximately 11:20am this morning (Wednesday 13 June) to reports of an incident at Ysgol Calon Cymru, College Road, Builth Wells. We sent two emergency ambulances, one rapid response vehicle with a Clinical Team Leader and National Inter-agency Liaison Officer. The crews were supported by our Hazardous Area Response Team and Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service."