Three pupils at Lord Williams’s School in Thame, Oxfordshire, were taken to hospital last week after ingesting copper sulphate that had been added to their water bottles. The incident occurred during a science lesson when a student allegedly took the bright blue compound from a laboratory and placed it in the water bottles of classmates.
Copper sulphate, commonly used as a fungicide and herbicide, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain if ingested. According to the US National Pesticide Information Centre, the compound irritates the digestive system, and the resulting sickness may limit its toxic effects.
Headteacher Neil Dimbleby confirmed that three students stayed in hospital overnight after consuming diluted copper sulphate. He stated, “We are pleased to report that the students are all now safely at home.” The police were informed and have been supporting the school through the incident.
A parent of a pupil reportedly contacted the police following the event. Thames Valley Police were unavailable for comment when approached. Lord Williams’s School is a co-educational secondary school with academy status, educating around 2,200 pupils.
