Nine schoolchildren rushed to hospital after 'eating poisonous berries' in playground

Nine schoolchildren were rushed to hospital after they were thought to have eaten poisonous berries in a Nottinghamshire playground.

The incident took place at Jesse Gray Primary School in West Bridgford on Tuesday, and involved a group of Year Six pupils.

Emergency crews rushed to the school at around 2pm following reports that children had consumed what were initially believed to be toxic fruit.

The response included paramedics in ambulance cars, crewed ambulances, a hazardous area response team and an air ambulance responder.

All nine children were taken to Queen's Medical Centre for observation.

The incident prompted a significant emergency presence outside the school, alarming local residents who witnessed numerous police vehicles and ambulances at the scene.

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed their officers attended only in a "supportive capacity".

An East Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman told the Nottingham Post: "The caller reported a medical emergency.

"We sent a number of resources including paramedics in ambulance cars, crewed ambulances and our hazardous area response team.

"A responder from the air ambulance was also in attendance. Nine patients were transported to Queen's Medical Centre."

One parent, speaking anonymously, said: "It caused a bit of a panic, but I suppose the ambulance service can't be too careful when they get a call from a school saying kids have eaten strange berries."

They added: "Thankfully it wasn't as serious as it might have looked at first. But any parent who hadn't heard what happened and then saw all the paramedics outside the school would have got a bit of a shock, and been incredibly worried."

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"It was some of the older children, rather than the little ones. But they have been checked over, and are okay.

"However I think there'll be a few questions for the school about how the pupils got hold of them."

Head teacher Chris Belton confirmed the children had ingested seeds from trees located on a playing field.

He said: "As a precaution, nine Year 6 pupils were taken to the Queen's Medical Centre where they were monitored for several hours."

Mr Belton added: "All nine pupils were discharged after a short period and have since had no adverse reactions. I am delighted to say that all nine pupils are back in school today."

The playing area where the incident occurred has been cordoned off pending further action.

Following an inspection by the school's ground maintenance team, several trees will be removed from the site.

A school assembly was held to reinforce messages about safe play and the risks of consuming berries or seeds from trees and shrubs.

Mr Belton said: "I would also like to commend the swift actions of Jesse Gray staff and the robust and prompt response from the emergency services."

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