The fire service was called to reports of a chemical spillage at a school in Perth.

Two appliances attended St Johns Academy at North Inch Community Campus shortly after 6.15pm on Thursday.

Crews in breathing apparatus and gas tight suits were deployed following a spill at the premises of what SFRS soon identified as formalin.

As the incident took place in the evening there were no pupils present and the risk to the public is thought to have been minimal, however two members of staff suffered from fume inhalation.

Station manager Bob Rearie, who was at the scene, said: "We arrived to find a container had been knocked over and that a chemical that we established was formalin had produced some fumes.

"We evacuated the premises as a precaution, put a cordon in place and made sure everyone was accounted for.

"Two cleaners had attempted to clean up the spill and were overcome with the fumes. They were checked over at the scene by ambulance personnel but did not require hospital treatment.

"The area has been made safe and a cordon will remain at the premises until the area is cleaned and the materials removed.

"The leak did not affect the environment and there was no risk to members of the public."

Formalin is a 37% water solution of formaldehyde, a pungent gas, with the chemical formula HCHO, and is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, but its high levels of toxicity make it a a significant consideration for human health.

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross council said: "There was some accidental damage at North Inch Community Campus last night. Police and Fire Service attended the scene. The school is open today as normal.

"It was out of school hours, so there were no school pupils in the building.

"There was also no teaching staff present although there was staff that are employed by the campus which would include cleaners and security personnel."