A Newham primary school has announced it will be closing for half term a day early to treat a false widow spider outbreak.

In a letter to parents, seen by the Recorder, Sandringham Primary School headteacher Robert Cleary explained that the school will shut on Friday, October 19.

He wrote: “Newham pest control have carried out an inspection of our school site and identified two of our outdoor areas that have evidence of these false widow spiders and we have immediately cordoned off these areas.

“They have advised that the school is closed on Friday, October 19 to allow the areas to be treated and fumigated to allow everyone to return to school after the half term holiday on Monday, October 29.”

Mr Cleary added: “We did not take the decision to close the school easily and although we appreciate this may cause some upset it is balanced against the wellbeing of the pupils and the staff.”