Bomb squad at Wolverhampton school over chemical explosion risk

Police and army officers were at Wolverhampton Girls' High School this morning, the school's headteacher confirmed.

A controlled explosion was later carried out of 2,4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNP) – a hazardous chemical used in laboratory tests which is known to pose a risk of explosion by shock, friction or fire.

Eyewitnesses described how the squad accessed the school through the land adjoining Wolverhampton College, based on Paget Road.

Headteacher Trudi Young said pupils were not evacuated and there was no disruption for the school whatsoever.

She added: "This has been a national issue. All schools across the country have been contacted by the Government about the potential explosive risk posed by the chemical 2,4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine which is commonly used in science experiments.

"Like many other schools, we contacted the authorities to inform them that a small quantity of the substance was in school.

"In line with recognised procedure, the police and army bomb disposal squad visited the school to assess the situation this morning.

"The substance, which poses no immediate risk, was removed from the school site and made safe via a controlled explosion. The incident caused no disruption to the school day, lessons continued as normal and we would like to thank the authorities for their assistance."

Last Thursday St Dominic's Priory School, Stone, had a disposal team on site.

De Montfort School, in Evesham, Worcestershire, and Thomas Adams School in Wem, North Shropshire, also had the procedure take place earlier in the month.

Authorities have advised DNP does not pose any danger as long as it is not being handled.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Kate Baker said: "Schools have been contacted by the Department for Education to remind them of the importance of storing chemicals for practical science activities carefully. Advice is available on the CLEAPPS website."