TWO members of staff at Appleton School were treated by paramedics earlier today following a “chemical spill”.

Essex Fire, police and ambulance crews were rushed to the South Benfleet school this afternoon.

Emergency services were responding to reports of a “chemical spill” caused by the mixture of two swimming pool chemicals – one understood by the Echo to be chlorine.

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Two members of staff were treated by ambulance crews after “inhaling the fumes”.

One has been taken to Southend hospital.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.56pm to a chemical incident in Appleton School on Croft Road in South Benfleet.

"Two ambulances, two ambulance officers and the Hazardous Area Response were sent to the scene and assessed two patients who felt unwell.

"One patient was transported to Southend University Hospital for further assessment and care."

A spokesman for the Appleton School said: “We informed the school community earlier today that we had an incident this afternoon in the pool when no lessons were taking place.

“A chemical imbalance was detected as part of our regular monitoring and, as a precautionary measure, emergency services attended the school in line with our standard safety protocols.

“As a precaution, two site school site staff, who are not members of the teaching staff, were escorted to Southend Hospital to be checked over. One was discharged from hospital this afternoon with a clean bill of health, the other is believed to be well and currently awaiting discharge.

“The incident team have assured us that there was no risk to the students. No pupils at the Appleton school were harmed or placed in risk of any harm at any time.

“We will continue our rigorous monitoring to ensure all is safe before the pool facilities are put in to use again.”

An Essex Fire spokesman said: "Firefighters were called to reports of a chemical spill in the plant room of a school swimming pool in Benfleet this afternoon (Friday 11 November).

"The spill was contained to the plant room. Fire crews investigating the spill found it was a mixture of two common swimming pool chemicals which had produced a strong smell and fumes. Fire crews ensured the area was ventilated and are currently working to safely handover the incident to the on-site staff.

"Two members of staff were left in the care of the Ambulance Service as a precaution after inhaling the fumes."