Ten children have been taken to hospital following an incident at Winsford Lifestyle Centre today (Tuesday March 10).

Police, ambulance and crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were all called to the centre, which is run by Brio Leisure, at about 2pm following reports that a number of children, mainly from Winsford High Street Primary School, had become ill after an incident that is believed to have involved chlorine.

A Cheshire police spokesperson told The Chronicle that 10 children and one adult have been taken to Leighton Hospital in Crewe for 'further assessment of non-serious injuries' after initial checks of each person.

"No surrounding buildings have been affected and emergency services are currently working with Cheshire West and Chester Council," the spokesperson added: "The headteacher at the school has made parents aware of the situation and arrangements are being made for the welfare and transport of the children."

A statement from Cheshire Wrst and Chester Council said the children and adult were suffering from 'minor respiratory symptoms'.

"Cheshire West and Chester Council will investigate the incident now that the building has been given the all-clear by the Fire and Rescue Service," the statement continued.

"At this stage the cause of the symptoms is unknown, but members of the council’s pool contractors and health and safety officers had begun investigations this afternoon.

"Around 56 children from Winsford High Street Primary School were at the centre for swimming lessons. Most were poolside when a small group in the water began coughing.

"All 56 were taken to a rest centre set up at nearby Wyvern House for a medical examination and the majority were allowed to go home.

"The school sent a team of six teachers to the scene to help with the children whilst the remainder of staff phoned parents to alert them and ask them to pick up their children.

"Later it was expected that the children taken to Leighton Hospital would be kept under observation for around four hours as a precaution but none were in a serious condition."