“Following reports of a smell of gas in the area, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have been in attendance at Cambridge Road, Bootle.

“Staff and students from Cambridge Road Nursery and Bedford Primary has been evacuated as a precautionary measure so investigations can take place.

“All children and staff have been safely evacuated and parents have been notified, there have been no reports of ill-health as a result of this incident.

“Local residents are advised to close their windows and people should avoid the area until the situation can be resolved.