HUNDREDS of pupils were evacuated from a school this morning when a gas leak and "suspicious item" triggered panic.

They were ushered out "class by class" as emergency services raced to the Harris Academy in Wimbledon, South London.

Police, ambulance, and fire services arrived on the scene from 8am and High Path was cordoned off to the public.

Most of the 670 youngsters aged 11-18 were sent home following the incident near the secondary school.

One parent told The Sun: "My child has been sent home from school and we have been evacuated."

The Metropolitan Police said a suspicious item and a smell of gas were discovered at a flat over the road and gas inspectors called in.

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Harris Academy Wimbledon said in a statement: "Due to a gas leak in the flats opposite we have been instructed to evacuate the building and the surrounding area.

“Students are being dismissed class by class and are allowed to use their mobile phones to contact home.

“Any student who does not have access to home will be taken to Harris Academy Morden.

“Once we are at Morden we will contact the families of the children we have taken there directly.”

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A spokesperson for the Met Police said: "At around 08:00hrs on Wednesday, 22 November police attended a residential address in May Court SW19 following concerns for the welfare of the occupants.

"This was shortly after a man attended a south London police station.

"On forcing entry there were no persons present. Officers noticed the smell of gas and called the London Fire Brigade. They were also concerned by a suspicious item.

"Some road closures were put in place and nearby addresses were evacuated as a precaution, while the item was assessed by specialist officers.

"A nearby school was also informed and decided to evacuate.

"Following assessment and an extensive search of the area the incident has been stood down and people are being allowed to return home.

"The gas hazard has been isolated and there is no concern of any danger to the public."

London Fire Brigade added: "Firefighters from Wimbledon and surrounding fire stations responded to reports of a gas leak in a residential block on Pincott Road, South Wimbledon.

"Crews attended the scene alongside the Metropolitan Police Service and local gas authority.

"Crews evacuated residents from the block and immediate area as a precaution, but following further investigation no elevated readings were detected.

"As a result, residents were allowed to return to the building.

"The Brigade was first called about the incident at 0759 and remained on scene until 1028."

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