TWO schools and a nursery were forced to close following a gas leak.

Sources told the Standard a gas leak was detected in Colchester Road, Lawford, on Thursday.

Staff at the Busy Bees Kindergarten confirmed the gas leak has since been closed off, but the nursery was closed on Friday while remedial works take place.

The incident also affected nearby Manningtree High School and Highfields Primary School. 

Both schools were closed on Friday to "minimise disruption to learning" with the hopes of being able to reopen on Monday. 

Manningtree High School headteacher Ben Briggs said: "Unfortunately, Manningtree High School and Highfields Primary School will be closed tomorrow as the gas system requires remedial work in order to restore the ability to have hot water and hot food.  

"In order to complete this work, the maintenance engineers require access to the whole site and therefore we have taken the decision, in the interest of safety to close to all staff and students.  

"This will minimise the disruption to learning as the engineers will be able to continue working on the system over the weekend, with the aim of reopening fully on Monday."