Alarms were raised this morning after six Luton school pupils were taken to Luton & Dunstable hospital after showing signs of illness.
At first it was though just one students was affected at Lealands High School, in Sundon Park Road.
But staff then noticed five other pupils also feeling unwell. The pupils – from different years – had been together before school and taken part in the same “activity”.
An East of England Ambulance spokesman said they were called to the school at 8.34am this morning.
He added: “We sent 3 ambulances, an ambulance officer and a rapid response vehicle. We treated 6 patients who were unwell and all of them have been taken to Luton and Dunstable Hospital for further assessment and care.”
At the moment, some pupils have already been released from hospital and it is expected the remaining students will be sent home during the couse of the day.
John Burridge, headteacher of Lealands High School, described how the events had come about.
He said: “Before arriving at school six students from different year groups appear to have become very unwell. We first became aware of this when one of these students attended the medical room on arrival at school. We immediately contacted the ambulance service and then it emerged that other students were suffering similar symptoms. The pupils were taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital for further assessment and care.
“At this stage we are not certain of the cause of their symptoms. We have advised all pupils about the incident and have offered support if they have any concerns, however we are not aware that any other students are affected.
“Our absolute primary concern at this stage is the welfare and wellbeing of the students.”