A school was evacuated this morning after nitric acid was discovered leaking in a science laboratory.

Firefighters responded to reports of a chemical leak at The Grange Academy in Bushey at 8.30am and cleared the site of students and staff.

Firefighters dressed in hazmat suits entered the school and found the leak in one of the labs.

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The immediate area was evacuated before a joint decision was made by the school’s principal and Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service to send everyone home for the rest of the day.

The leak of nitric acid was affecting other chemicals in the store but firefighters were able to clear up the spillage and make the scene safe by 12.30pm.

Fire engines from Watford and Garston attended along with a specialist decontamination unit from Hemel Hempstead.

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Watford Observer: The Grange Academy entrance. Image: Google Street ViewThe Grange Academy entrance. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

Hundreds of pupils were seen streaming out of the school at around 10am and the following message was issued to parents and carers.

It read: “Due to a minor hazard being identified in the science department, we are required by the fire brigade to send all students and staff home as a precautionary measure for today.

“Students can be collected from outside of the school gates from 10.15am.”

Future Academies, which runs The Grange Academy, has been approached for comment.

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