Twelve children were rushed to hospital after a ceiling collapsed at a south London primary school this morning.

The ceiling of a Year 3 classroom in Rosemead Preparatory School, in Dulwich, collapsed on the second floor on Monday morning.

Sixteen people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews and one adult and 12 children were taken to hospital, the London Ambulance Service said.

Around 20 firefighters and three fire engines were called to the prep school on Thurlow Park Road at 9.22am on Monday.

Children in Year 3 are typically seven or eight-year-olds. All other children and staff were safely evacuated from the building.

The private school has said it is “working closely with the authorities” to understand what caused a ceiling to collapse in one of its classrooms.

A statement from Rosemead Preparatory School said: “This morning in one of our Year 3 classrooms, a ceiling collapsed resulting in the attendance of the emergency services.

“Some injuries were sustained and some of those involved have been taken to hospital, and we are working with our students and families to support them.

“We are working closely with the authorities to understand the cause of the incident and we will provide more information as soon as we can.

“Parents and families can be reassured that the school day is continuing as usual today for the rest of the school.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We treated 16 people at the scene, and took 12 children and one adult to hospital.”

Firefighters carried out a systematic search of the building and confirmed with the school that all pupils and staff were accounted for.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called at 9.22am on Monday and the incident was over by 11.50am.

A specialist USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team and equipment were also used to confirm the building was “at no further risk of collapse”, a statement from the LFB said.

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, which charges up to £4,920 a term, teaches children between the ages of two and 11.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “All children and staff have been accounted for and the school is currently in the process of contacting parents.

“We await an update on assessment of any injuries. There are extensive road closures in place as emergency services respond.”

Labour’s Helen Hayes, the MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, tweeted: “Very concerned to hear of the collapse of a ceiling at Rosemead School this morning.

“My thoughts are with the children, staff and parents. I hope no-one is seriously injured.

“I’ve contacted the school to offer my support. My thanks to the emergency services who attended the scene.”

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