Pupils sent home after “petrol fumes” trigger school evacuation

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Pupils were initially evacuated to the nearby St Thomas' Church

A school and nursery was evacuated and children sent home due to “petrol fumes” in the building.

Staff and pupils were moved away from St Thomas’ Church of England School on Huddersfield Road, Newhey, at 9.25am today (Friday 20 May) after reports that strong a strong smell of petrol was in the building.

Initially everyone was moved to St Thomas’ Church while fire crews and United Utilities investigated, but the school has now confirmed that all children have been sent home.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service told Rochdale Online that the strong petrol smell was in fact coming from the town drainage system and that investigations are underway to determine the cause.

Head teacher Rebecca Williams said: “The evacuation took place at 9.25am but all the children have now been sent home.

“Everyone is fine and the school will be open as usual on Monday.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “The smell of petrol turned out to be from the town drainage system, and works are continuing to ensure the area is safe.

“Two fire engines from Rochdale attended the scene but had gone by midday.”