BOMB squad experts carried out a controlled explosion on a school playing field to dispose of a chemical being stored in the science lab.

A cordon was put up around the field at Clacton County high on Monday night as Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts moved in.

A pot containing the chemical 2.4-DiNitroPhenylHydrazine - used in some A level science lessons - was then put in a hole and covered with explosives before being blown up.

PCSO Matt Ladkin helped set up the cordon.

He said: "The school had some sort of chemical and because of some sort of change about how it was stored they had to dispose of it and the only way was the bomb disposal people.

"They dug a hole 1ft deep between the rugby pitches.

"It made a heck of a bang. It was one of those things you don't see evey day."

The drama came after the Department of Education sent an email to schools across the country about the chemical.