Pupils injured by power cables at private school

Bea Swallow
BBC News, West of England
Millfield School A large historic looking boarding school with grey pointed bricks, terracotta tiled roof and lots of bay windows. There is a bright green manicured lawn in the foreground, and various climbing plants on the side of the building. Millfield School
Police were called to the school shortly before 20:00 BST on Saturday

Three students at a private boarding school needed surgery for serious injuries after suffering electric shocks from overhead cables.

It is believed the boys, who are aged between 13 and 14, sustained serious burn injuries at Millfield School, near Street in Somerset, on Saturday evening.

A school spokesperson said the children remain in hospital in a stable condition following the "isolated accident", and have asked the public to avoid speculation.

Avon and Somerset Police added that a referral was made to the Health and Safety Executive which will lead an investigation into the incident.

A Millfield spokesperson told the BBC the pupils were immediately supported by staff on site and emergency services arrived at the scene "within minutes".

"They are in a stable condition in hospital, with their families by their sides. There is no ongoing danger to others," they added.

"The entire Millfield Community's thoughts and best wishes are with them all. We ask for everyone to respect their privacy and avoid speculation.

"We are working closely with the authorities to investigate how the accident occurred."

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