A bomb disposal squad was called to carry out a controlled explosion of chemicals at a school.

Police were called to Oasis Academy, Sheerness, after it was discovered a potentially unstable substance was on the premises.

Officers and a military bomb disposal team were called and safely carried out the explosion on the school grounds, on Marine Parade, at around 4pm yesterday.

A controlled explosion was carried out

An Oasis Academy spokesman said: “Some unused chemicals were disposed of following all health and safety advice and procedures.

“This was done in conjunction with the police who were present when it was detonated on our back field.

“The police had shut off the canal that runs behind the school just to be on the safe side; the noise was no more than the sound of a firework.”

The controlled explosion comes after a reminder was sent to schools across the country, by the Department of Education, over how certain chemicals should be stored.

The guidance, which was issued in October last year, referred to the chemical 2,4-DNP (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine) which, if not stored correctly, can explode.

A number of schools in the UK have also carried out controlled explosions of the substance since the reminder was issued.