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Children in hospital as Dulwich school's ceiling collapses

LFB Rosemead Prep SchoolLFB
Twenty firefighters were called to the scene

Eleven children and two adults have been taken to hospital after a ceiling collapsed at a primary school in south-east London.

Pupils were evacuated from Rosemead Prep School in Dulwich after a second-floor ceiling in a Year 3 classroom caved in.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said three fire engines and 20 firefighters were called to the scene at about 09:20 GMT.

The school said no-one had received life-threatening injuries.

Exterior
Children were evacuated from Rosemead School

All children and staff were safely evacuated from the building, on Thurlow Park Road and 16 people were treated by the London Ambulance Service.

The chairman of governors said: "Unfortunately, some injuries were sustained and 11 children were taken to hospital, together with two adults.

"There were no life-threatening injuries or life-changing injuries and the majority have been discharged."

He said the school was "working closely with the authorities and relevant specialists to understand the cause" of the collapse.

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Mr Crawford added: "This has been a worrying time for the children involved, their families and the wider school.

"We understand from initial examinations that there are no concerns regarding the rest of the building and we will work with the authorities regards any investigations to be undertaken.

"I would sincerely like to thank members of staff, the emergency services and those who sent messages of support from the wider community."

A Met Police spokesman said officers also went to the school and added: "All children and staff have been accounted for and the school is currently in the process of contacting parents".

Exterior
The ceiling in a second-floor classroom collapsed

A specialist USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team and equipment were also used to ensure the building was "at no further risk of collapse", LFB confirmed.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked emergency services for their swift response to the collapse.

"I'm relieved to hear that all children and staff are accounted for and I wish everyone affected a full and speedy recovery," he added.

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, which charges up to £4,920 a term, teaches children between the ages of two and 11.