MYSTERY surrounds the reason for a police presence at an incident at St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope.

Yesterday (Wednesday, 5 February) some students were delayed from leaving school after a lockdown exercise was imposed close to the end of the school day.

News of the event quickly circulated on social media, prompting lots of speculation about what had happened.

However, head Ashlie Hughes clarified what has gone on in a statement which said: "We carried out a brief lockdown procedure today which lasted approximately ten minutes.

"Many pupils will not have been aware, while others who may have been in external areas will have been aware of teachers ensuring they stayed in the correct place.

"It is a health and safety requirement for us to ensure we have correct fire and lockdown procedures in place.

"Testing of such procedures are carried out regularly."

However, she made no mention of a police presence outside the school just after 3pm, a presence which was today confirmed by Essex Police who said: "Police were contacted on Wednesday, 5 February following reports of a possible disturbance at St Clere's School in Butts Lane, Stanford-le-Hope after pupils had gone home for the day.

"Officers attended and found no trace of any disturbance and or any offences having been committed."

Neither the police nor school would comment on who called the police but Mrs Hughes made an additional statement to Thurrock NubNews today saying: "I can confirm, the school does have regular contact with a number of agencies including the police.

"Therefore, we will always work in partnership with the police in the interests of children's wellbeing in our school and in the community."

Soon after contacting Thurrock NubNews a further statement was issued to parents by Mrs Hughes which said: "Yesterday's in-vacuation drill was timed across a ten minute period which ensured our message system worked effectively and that staff followed correct procedures of ensuring pupils did not leave their classrooms until told the brief drill was completed.

"Pupils then left school at the correct time at 3pm. We will provide further training to pupils and staff over the next term but please do not be concerned about the practice yesterday and please do not take part in any speculation or dramatisation as it causes unnecessary concern to others."