POLICE remain on site at Hathaway Academy in Grays after an incident this afternoon when the secondary school was put in lockdown.

It is reported that the incident involved a knife being taken into school.

The drama happened near the end of the school day today (Tuesday, 21 January) when many parents were seen outside the school. Some were witnessed climbing a fence to get into the school grounds.

However, soon after the children emerged.

A spokesperson at the school could say nothing other than confirming an incident at the school on Hathaway Road but added that 'all the children have been released now."

Speaking at 4pm she confirmed police officers were still at the school.

A spokesperson for the force issued the following statement shortly afterwards: "Officers seized a knife and made two arrests after responding to an incident in Hathaway Road, Grays, this afternoon.

"We received a number of calls from members of the public reporting two boys were seen running after another boy shortly before 2.45pm.

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"We carried out a search and arrested two boys on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. A knife was also seized.