CHILDREN were injured when part of the ceiling collapsed at a nursery in Colchester.

Paramedics were called to Safari Childcare, in Halstead Road, where three children are understood to have been injured by plaster falling from above.

The East of England Ambulance Service said an ambulance and an ambulance officer attended.

A spokesman said: “We were called at 4.30pm last Thursday (Nov 28) with reports of traumatic injuries in Halstead Road, Colchester.

“One child was taken to Colchester Hospital for further care.”

None of the children are understood to have been seriously hurt when the plaster fell.

Halstead Gazette: Damage to the ceiling of the nurseryDamage to the ceiling of the nursery

Chanel Lassman, director of Safari Childcare, said: “A section of the plaster in one of the nursery’s rooms fell from the ceiling.

“Some children were injured during this incident and were taken to hospital.

“None of the injuries were serious and our brilliant staff acted swiftly to ensure all children were as safe as possible.”

Since the incident, the nursery says it has contacted Ofsted as well as the relevant health and safety authority to make them aware of what happened.

Bosses have also called in an independent agency to review what took place.

Ms Lassman said: “We have also had building professionals inspect the premises to assess what happened and they have confirmed this was an unfortunate accident which could not have been prevented and the rest of the building is unlikely to be affected.”

The nursery was closed temporarily while investigations took place, but reopened following an inspection.

Ms Lassman said: “The safety and happiness of our children has always been our number one concern and we are exceptionally grateful for the support shown by parents following this incident.

“We have been keeping families updated with developments and working with those affected."