A primary school in Bangor, Co. Down was forced to close after contractors caused a gas leak.

The contractors were working at Ballyholme Primary School when they accidentally fractured the main gas pipe, causing the leak.

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Within half an hour of lessons starting, 600 children were evacuated from the building.

The gas was switched off at the school, as fire and rescue workers were called to the building. Engineers from the gas company were brought in to deal with the problem.

Classes were suspended, but the school is due to be reopened on Wednesday.

(NS)