A primary school was forced to go into a “partial lockdown” after two men were reported to be seen climbing a fence at the site.

Leigh Academy Langley Park, in Edmett Way, Maidstone, took the precaution after the duo was spotted and contacted police immediately, a letter sent to parents revealed.

The document, seen by KentOnline, was sent by principal Sally Brading.

She said: “Earlier today, two males were reported to have been seen climbing one of our exterior fences.

“Senior staff acted immediately, checked the site perimeter, and contacted the police for advice. No one was found near the site during these checks.

“The report came as pupils were returning indoors after lunch, and they remained completely unaware of anything unusual.”

As a result, the school was put into a “partial lockdown” – which it refers to as “flying low” – meaning all outdoor activities were suspended.

The letter added: “To reiterate, the children are entirely unaware of the situation.”

Parents were asked to refrain from posting anything on social media, and there were no necessary changes to the pick-up routine.

Ms Branding continued: “Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

“Your children’s safety remains our utmost priority and we will always act in their best interests.”

A spokesman for Leigh Academies Trust, which runs the school, said the academy fully complied with the Trust's processes and it was quickly established that no men had entered or had been seen entering the schools grounds by anyone else.

They added that they believe this may have been a false alarm, but nonetheless, it would review any incident of this nature to identify if any lessons could be learned.

As a matter of routine, a security audit of the site will be undertaken as a further precaution.

Police have been approached for comment.