Armed police have been pictured outside a school this afternoon placed on lockdown after a "threat" was made against two pupils.

Huge crowds have gathered outside St Hild’s CoE School in Hartlepool after the academy was placed into a partial lockdown at the end of the school day.

Cleveland Police have since confirmed a threat was made against two pupils at the school.

The Northern Echo: Huge crowds have gathered outside the school.#Huge crowds have gathered outside the school.# (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

A force spokesperson said: "There is currently a precautionary police presence in the area of St Hild’s School in Hartlepool, following some concerns raised after a threat was made to two boys at the school.

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"The school have followed their own safeguarding procedures and have activated a lockdown at the school whilst officers make enquiries.

The Northern Echo: Armed police at St Hild's CoE School in Hartlepool.Armed police at St Hild's CoE School in Hartlepool. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

"Police are currently working closely with the school and the local community to offer reassurance, ensure everyone’s safety, and to return the school to normality as soon as possible."

St Hild’s earlier alerted parents on social media to the partial lockdown and assured parents all children inside were safe and well.

The Northern Echo: Police remain at the scene this evening.Police remain at the scene this evening. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

In a Facebook post the school’s leadership said: “The school is currently in a partial lockdown. We are following established safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our pupils.

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“We are following Cleveland Police advice due to an incident in the community outside of school. We will continue to keep parents/carers informed via text message and social media platforms.

“The safety of all of our pupils is our number one priority - we apologise for any inconvenience  this may cause.”

The Northern Echo: Huge crowds have gathered.Huge crowds have gathered. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)