A school was placed in lockdown during a search for suspected illegal immigrants nearby.

Aycliffe Community Primary School in Dover kept is pupils indoors during today's mid-morning break.

But they were allowed out into the playground later after the all-clear was given.

School head Jacky Cox said: “This morning staff were made aware that a search was being conducted in the Aycliffe area.

"While we waited for details from the relevant authorities we made the decision to keep pupils inside during morning break-time as a precaution.

"Emails were sent to parents/carers advising them of this.

"As soon as it was confirmed there was no danger to pupils they were allowed out onto the playground as normal.

"The safety of our pupils and staff is of paramount importance at all times and we will take any measures we deem necessary to ensure they are secure while in our care.”

One mum at the school, in St David's Avenue, added that police were contacted when two people, thought to be immigrants, were seen on the estate.

She said: "Police were afterwards told but we heard they had already been picked up."

The Home Office has since confirmed that both police and Border Force officials were looking for migrants.

A spokesman said: "Border Force and immigration enforcement officers assisted Kent Police in a search of Shakespeare Beach, near Dover, after migrants and an abandoned small boat were seen there at about 7.25am (Monday).

"Four men were later found in the Aycliffe area and were referred to the Home Office.

"They presented themselves as Iranian nationals and are being questioned by immigration officials.

"Their cases will be dealt with according to the immigration rules.

"Two further men were later found in the Crabble area of Dover and claimed that they had reached the UK via a lorry.

"They have been referred to immigration officials for interview."

Read more: All the latest news from Dover