AT least 17 pupils and one teacher are said to have been hospitalised after a substance was sprayed at a high school in Japan.

Cops are questioning a male student, who is believed to have sprayed insecticide as a “prank”, according to Japan’s broadcaster NHK.

An instructor from Sagami Koyokan High School, located in Zama city approximately 22 miles from Tokyo, reportedly contacted emergency services at 11 am. According to NHK, the teacher stated that “a student had sprayed a substance within the school premises.”

When officers arrived at the scene on Monday, teachers had already began questioning the student, reportedly in the final year of high school.

The 17 students and one staff member, who were sprayed during break, were rushed to hospital after complaining of feeling unwell.

They are all believed to have only mild symptoms.

The student reportedly told authorities that he “sprayed insecticide in the corridor as a prank”.

Cops are currently investigating the incident.