A school is closed today when part of a ceiling collapsed.

This morning, mystery surrounded the closure of Ray Lodge Primary School, in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green.

A handwritten note had been placed at the entrance to the school saying the closure was "due to an emergency situation".

There were reports that parents were being asked to not phone the school to keep lines free.

A statement from Ray Lodge Primary School released this afternoon explained the situation.

It said: “Ray Lodge Primary School is closed today due to part of an internal ceiling falling down. 

"The school has been closed as a precautionary measure while it is being looked into. 

"We don’t have any further information at this time. 

"The school will keep parents informed when they have more information."