CHRISTCHURCH Junior School was evacuated this afternoon after a “solvent-like” smell was detected in the building.

Staff took the decision to evacuate all pupils from the main school building as a precautionary measure due to the strong odour, which reportedly smelled like petrol.

This afternoon the children were kept in the school’s dining hall, which is separate from the main building, while efforts were made to trace the source of the smell.

Headteacher Simon Adorian, who was away during the school day but returned this evening, said investigations to trace what caused the smell were ongoing.

He said the smell dissipated this afternoon and the school, which has approximately 520 pupils, is due to open as normal tomorrow.

But if the smell returns it will have to be closed for further investigations.

He said: “It was a solvent like smell and a number of staff commented on it. They felt it was quite strong.

“They took advice from the premises team at County Hall, Wessex Water and heating engineers.

“Because they couldn’t work out what it was the staff took the decision that the children should remain outside the building.

“The staff were amazing. Everyone was very calm and it was dealt with very smoothly.”