Hot water taps were sealed off and pupils were forced to eat their dinner in a school’s hall amid allegations the legionella bacteria was in its water system.

Some concerned parents withdrew their children from Barr Beacon School following the head’s decision to take what he has described as “precautionary measures” after the routine testing of water samples.

Education bosses today refused to confirm or deny whether traces of the legionella bacteria, which can led to Legionnaires disease, was found in the water system, although one concerned parent said she was in no doubt and had been tipped off about the discovery by members of the school’s own staff.

Samples of water were taken at the Old Hall Lane school on Wednesday with the school imposing its precautionary measures yesterday. The restrictions were expected to be lifted today.

The concerned parent, who asked not to be named, said: “I am concerned about the potential health risks and so are some of the staff I’ve spoken to. There has been no contact from the school and I have decided to remove my daughter until the situation is resolved.”

Barr Beacon’s acting headteacher Ray Wilson said: “We decided to take precautionary measures in accordance with the regulations.”