Six schools urgently evacuated after mass bomb alert posed 'serious threat'

The schools affected include Bitterne Park School, Banister Park School, Regents Park Community College, St Anne’s Catholic Girl’s Secondary School and St George’s Catholic College.

The force later said Weston Secondary School was also among the schools to receive a hoax call.

A police spokesperson said the schools are working closely with the police as enquires continue.

They added: "At this time we are treating these calls as a hoax. We are working closely with the affected schools who are assisting us with enquiries."

A letter sent to parents from Bitterne Park School read: "Good morning. We are just dealing with a site incident at school. Please do not send your child in to school until you have a further update from us.

"If your child is on the Year 8 trip, we will send you confirmation within the next 10 minutes or so on meeting/departure arrangements. Please don't send your child in until you receive this information."

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Following the incident, David Butterworth - headteacher of Weston Secondary School - told the Daily Echo: "We have responded to a serious threat. The students have been evacuated safely and calmly.

"We have two exits either side of the school and the decision was made gather students at the leisure centre."

James Habberley, headteacher at Saint George Catholic College, told parents that the school received a bomb threat at 8.15am.

Habberley said: "All the children were evacuated from the school building this morning to ensure they are safe and well. Police have been here this morning doing a tour of the site and have confirmed the bomb threat is a hoax.

"All of our students were kept in the shade, given water and access to the toilet. They will now be returning back to their normal lessons."

Councillor for Southampton, Satvir Kaur, wrote on social media: "Awful some local schools have been forced to close today, but our teachers and children's safety must come first.

"I hope the police can get to the root of this and children can continue with their education ASAP. If you have any info to aid police, please contact @HantsPolice".