School students at Harris Academy in Wimbledon were sent home on Wednesday over fears of a gas leak and "suspicious item" found at a nearby building.
Metropolitan Police officers were called to May Court around 8am and noticed the smell of gas. They called London Fire Brigade and nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
The force said officers were also concerned about a "suspicious item" found in May Court and it was assessed by specialist officers. No one was in the building at the time.
Harris Academy Wimbledon was notified and decided to evacuate students class by class.
Following an assessment and "an extensive search of the area" residents can now return home, the Met said.
"The gas hazard has been isolated and there is no concern of any danger to the public."
At 2pm Harris Acadamy Wimbledon issued this statement to parents: "The issue in the local area has now been resolved and the academy will be open as usual tomorrow. The Year 8 Parent's Evening will still go ahead."
The school earlier said in a statement, reported by The Sun: "Due to a gas leak in the flats opposite we have been instructed to evacuate the building and the surrounding area.
"Students are being dismissed class by class and are allowed to use their mobile phones to contact home.Any student who does not have access to home will be taken to Harris Academy Morden."
London Fire Brigade said firefighters responded to reports of a gas leak at Pincott Road alongside the local gas authority.
"Crews evacuated residents from the block and immediate area as a precaution, but following further investigation no elevated readings were detected.
"As a result, residents were allowed to return to the building."
