More than 80 school pupils have been admitted to hospital after inhaling poisonous gas released from a nearby chemical factory, www.gog.com.cn reported today.

According to a teacher from Yucai middle school, Tongzi in Guizhou province, students suffered headaches, choking, chest and stomach pains on Thursday following the leak.

The news comes after 106 pupils from a nearby primary school developed similar symptoms on June 17.

The report said all the sick students were sent to hospital immediately.

The local government announced the factory had been shut down after the gas escaped on June 17, but the second wave of sick children has led some to question that, the report said.

The factory owners refused requests for interviews.

The report said two local schools have suspended classes with some parents refusing to send their children to school due until the problem is solved.