A Stevenage school has confirmed its "emergency" closure this morning due to faults with the school's fire alarm and heating systems.

Giles Junior School shared an announcement via email today, announcing that it has now closed from around 8.40am, with parents and carers asked to collect pupils from the site.

A statement sent out by the school read: "EMERGENCY! School is closed. We know this is not ideal.

"We currently have no heating and we don't have a working fire alarm system. We have worked hard to try and resolve the issues and avoid closing but have been unable to do so. If your child is onsite we will keep them in school until they can be collected.

"Please collect from your child's class as usual. If your child is a lone walker we will get permission to check they re OK to walk home."

The school went on to apologise for the "inconvenience" to parents, carers and pupils.

Giles Junior School has been contacted for further information and the Giles Nursery Infants' School remains open.