An assistant caretaker at a Redbridge school was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties this morning following a chemical spill.

Firefighters responded to a spillage in the swimming pool area of Newbridge School, Gresham Drive, Chadwell Heath.

Staff and 60 children were told to keep away from the pool and its neighbouring plant area after spillages of sodium bisulfite and sodium hypochlorite.

The caretaker was taken to Queen’s Hospital, Romford, with minor breathing difficulties but has since informed Redbridge Council that he is fine.

Two fire engines and a range of specialist vehicles were called to the scene at 9.33am.

The fire brigade is understood to have passed the area back to the control of the school, for children aged two to 14, at 11.30am.

A council spokesman said staff and children were advised to stay away from the area because of a risk of breathing fumes.

She said no pupils were close to the area at the time of the spillage and the school day has not been disrupted.