PUPILS are undergoing daily searches by staff at Bradford’s biggest school after two 12-year-olds needed hospital treatment when a firework exploded inside the building.

It was the second time in three days that a firework had been set off after being smuggled into Grange Technology College.

The boy and girl were taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution after the firework went off in the main stairwell of the atrium as school finished last Friday.

Police are investigating and the person believed to be responsible has been identified, said a school spokesman.

He added that senior staff were liaising with the parents of the two pupils who were taken to hospital.

The first incident involving a firework at the 1,800 pupil school took place on the ground floor of the atrium at lunchtime last Tuesday.

No-one was injured and the culprit was identified and subsequently expelled.

It led to head teacher Alison Mander issuing a warning to all pupils about the dangers of fireworks.

The school is now monitoring social media and holding meetings with parents about the issue as police continue to investigate.

Ms Mander criticised the black market sales of fireworks and called for more action to prevent them getting into children's hands.

She also urged parents to report shops which are selling fireworks to juveniles.

She said: “Bringing fireworks into school and setting them off puts everyone at risk and I call on those who think it’s acceptable to sell or supply young people fireworks to think again.

“The law is clear; young people should be protected not exploited.

"I am asking our families to be vigilant. Report local shops or businesses if you know they are selling fireworks to young people.

“Talk with your children in the weeks running up to bonfire night on November 5, to reinforce the message that fireworks are dangerous, and when in the wrong hands are extremely hazardous.”

Ward Councillor Joanne Dodds (Lab, Great Horton), who is also a member of the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority, said she would look to do firework safety advice work with Grange students following the incidents.

She said: “It’s shocking. For it to happen not once, but twice, is unacceptable.

“It is very serious and frightening. The students don’t realise the dangers they are putting themselves under, and everyone else.

“Where are they getting them from? It is a real concern that they are getting these fireworks from somewhere.

“The school is doing as much as they can to raise awareness and dealing with the students, but still it happened.”

Cllr Abdul Jabar (Lab, Great Horton), who is also Bradford Council’s neighbourhoods and community safety portfolio holder, said: “These incidents are very concerning for me. Fireworks are very serious and very dangerous.

“Some young people don’t know about the dangers of fireworks and think it’s a bit of fun. They can wreck people’s lives.”

Fellow ward Councillor Tariq Hussain (Lab, Great Horton) added: “The school needs to be more vigilant and aware of people bringing fireworks into school.

“If people don't adhere to the dangers of fireworks, they can be horrific.”

The Grange was put into special measures following an Ofsted inspection last year. It has since been visited by three times by inspectors who said it is now working effectively to improve standards.