A headteacher has moved to reassure parents after a man walked up to school gates and threatened children, sparking a police alert.

A man in Hockley Woods verbally threatened two year six students at Westerings Primary School, in Sunny Road, Hawkwell.

School staff immediately called 999 and police searched the woods while pupils were kept inside to ensure their safety.

Acting headteacher Lisa Clark said pupils were kept behind for 15 minutes after their usual home time while the police search went on.

She said: "A man came to the fence of our school grounds and threatened some of our children.

"At no stage did the man get into the school grounds. The police were called immediately."

She said children's safety had been the top priority and all procedures were followed to the letter during the incident just before 3pm on Thursday.

Mrs Clark added: "We shall be looking at ways we can improve security further."