A LEISURE pool has been closed after five children and two adults were injured when debris fell from the ventilation system.

Safety experts are making inquiries after the incident at Splashes Leisure Pool in Bloors Lane, Rainham, on Saturday.

A police spokesman said reports suggested that two pieces fell off an air conditioning unit on to the steps of a flume.

Five children and two adults suffered minor injuries and shock.

A Medway Council spokesman said: "Splashes has been closed following damage to the ventilation system.

"The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the incident, which happened when part of the ventilation system fell down.

"The five children and two adults were treated for cuts and bruises. And the centre was immediately closed.

"The council apologises that the pool will remain closed until further notice while a full investigation is carried out."

Police arrived at the scene at 4.25pm and evacuated the swim-ming pool.

Kent Ambulance Service sent three ambulances to the scene to take the swimmers to Medway Maritime Hospital to be checked over.

One child received a bump to the head, another a back injury, while the others suffered from shock.

A spokesman said: "It appears that the injuries were minor."

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said that the council had asked them to make initial inquiries, because the incident involved the maintenance of the structure of the pool building.

The HSE has not announced whether it will launch a full investigation into the incident.

Splashes Leisure Pool is run by Courtesy Leisure, on behalf of the council.