Teen arrested after ‘substance’ closes school

A TEENAGER has been arrested after around 20 people were allegedly exposed to an unknown substance at a school.

Police were called to an incident at Builth Wells High School in Powys shortly after 11am yesterday.

A Powys council spokesman said the school was on “lockdown” and would be closed for the rest of the day.

Some members of staff reported feeling unwell and pupils who were in the middle of exams were relocated to the pavilion to carry on their work. The adjoining leisure centre was also evacuated.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested. Dyfed-Powys Police said offi-cers received a call reporting the discovery of a substance which was allegedly causing breathing difficulties and nausea.

They said around 20 people were exposed to the substance and were treated at the scene by the ambulance service but were deemed well enough to go home.

Acting head teacher Catrin Taylor said: “The school’s highest priority is the health and wellbeing of pupils, staff and the school will remain closed until emergency services complete their investigation and given the all-clear.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We would like to reassure the community there is no wider concern for health or safety in connection to this isolated incident.

“A 17-year-old boy has been arrested. He remains in police custody and the investigation is ongoing.

“Police are treating this as an isolated incident which is not believed to be terrorist related at this time.”