An air ambulance landed at Hockerill Anglo-European College this afternoon (Thursday, June 27) in response to a “very serious incident” involving a student.

The chopper touched down on the Dunmow Road secondary’s playing fields around 3pm and took off again just before 4pm.

Pupils had been taking part in the state day and boarding school’s annual sports day.

In a message to parents and students, principal David Woods said: “We unfortunately had a medical incident involving one student.

“Paramedics and an air ambulance were called and the student was treated on the field and then taken to a local hospital.

“The latest information we have is that the student is stable and is being treated by specialist medical staff.

“The incident was very serious but excellently managed by our teaching and medical staff.”

He asked the school community not to speculate about the incident and to respect the privacy of the youngster and their family.

He said: “As and when we have further information we will share it with you.”

The college is set to operate as usual tomorrow.