A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after a school was placed on lockdown after "threats" were made against two pupils.

Armed police this afternoon put St Hild’s CoE School in Hartlepool into a partial lockdown at the end of the school day with pupils kept in classrooms.

Police described it as a “precautionary measure” after "threats" were made against two pupils.

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

A 16-year-old boy has this evening been arrested at his home in connection with the incident and taken into custody.

Armed officers were pictured guarding the school gates as pupils were escorted off the site year group by year group after the lockdown lifted shortly after 5pm.

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)

Huge crowds of concerned parents gathered on pavements outside the school.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “A 16-year-old boy has been arrested at his home address and taken to police custody.

The Northern Echo: Police have described their presence at the school as precautionary.Police have described their presence at the school as precautionary. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“We would like to thank the community for your cooperation and patience during this incident.”

The spokesperson said previously: “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. 

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

The Northern Echo: Police outside St Hild's CoE School in Hartlepool.Police outside St Hild's CoE School in Hartlepool. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

The academy alerted parents on social media to the lockdown earlier in the afternoon, saying they were working with police and that all pupils were safe and well.

In a statement posted to Facebook just after 5pm, school leaders said: “We want to inform you that the partial lockdown has been released.

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“Children will now be dismissed from the school site year group by year group.

“We appreciate your cooperation and assistance during this time. Thank you for your understanding.”

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