A school in south west London closed for the day after a worker died as pupils were due to arrive for lessons.
Neighbours described how police and ambulances were called to the scene at Teddington school after a man was taken ill and later died.
The school closed for the day after the incident at just before 7.20am.
It is understood the incident is not being investigated by police.
A local who lives opposite the school told Metro: ‘I saw blue lights flashing and ambulances and police pulling up. It was very frenetic and at first I thought someone had been attacked or something. It was a very distressing thing to see. Someone told me someone had died.’
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Another said: ‘I was getting the kids ready for school when I saw paramedics across the road. The whole street was full of emergency services vehicles. The school is part of the community we are very upset by this.’
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 7.17am today to reports of an unwell person in Broom Road, Teddington.
‘We sent an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer to the scene.
‘Despite the efforts to save her life, a patient sadly died at the scene.’
A school spokesperson said: ‘Emergency services were called to school earlier today after an external contractor was taken ill.
‘Support was provided by both our staff and by paramedics but sadly he died this morning.
‘Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’ Teddington school is an academy for 12 to 18 year-olds.’
The school’s full message to parents said: ‘Dear Families: Thank you for your understanding this morning following our message about the closure of the school today. The decision was taken due to a medical emergency on site involving an external contractor. Several of our staff provided support until emergency services arrived, and sadly, despite best efforts, he has died this morning.
‘Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
‘School will remain closed for the remainder of today but will open as usual tomorrow for an 08:30 start, morning clubs will run as normal.
‘We are supporting our staff today, and support will also be available in school tomorrow for any staff and students affected by this news.
‘Thanks for your understanding and support.’
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