Controlled explosion carried out after school science lab alert

A change in the composition of a chemical in a school science lab has sparked an evacuation in Belfast.

Students and staff at Wellington College in the south of the city were evacuated for a short time on Wednesday while a controlled explosion was carried out.

Carolan Road, off Ormeau Road, was closed during the operation.

A spokesperson for the school said they alerted the authorities after a change in the composition of a chemical used for A-level experiments was noted.

“Following a routine check, a change in the composition of an approved chemical used for A-level science experiments which was stored on site was detected,” they said.

“Following this discovery, immediate action was taken by the school to notify the relevant authorities who worked closely with the school to ensure the safe disposal of the chemical.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff and pupils is our highest priority and we would like to thank the relevant authorities for their assistance today.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said Carolan Road reopened on Wednesday afternoon following the alert.

“Officers attended and a controlled explosion was carried out on the substance, which has been removed,” they said.