A primary school has been evacuated after a pupil is thought to have brought a hand grenade into a classroom.

Police cordoned off St Helen’s C of E Primary School, Church Street, Cliffe, near Strood, and officers are at the scene.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts from the Ministry of Defence arrived at the school but left after 10 minutes.

Police lifted the cordon at around 1.30pm and teachers have been able to re-enter the school.

WATCH: Bomb disposal teams arrive at the school

Police spokesman James Walker said: "Kent Police was called to the school at 9.16am after a pupil advised a teacher he had the item and the premises was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

"Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts from the Ministry of Defence attended the premises and confirmed the device was not a danger to pupils or staff."

Parents were asked to collect their children from Cliffe Pre-School, which is opposite the main school site, also in Church Street.

Pupils and staff were moved into a neighbouring community hall whilst parents come to collect their children.

Parents were asked to collect their children at around 10.30am this morning.

Medway Council spokesman Celia Glynn-Williams said: "Staff worked effectively and swiftly to get the children out of school and into safety.

"Those who have not been picked up by parents are in a safe place nearby."

Steph Jarvis, headteacher of St Helen’s Church of England Primary, said: "The safety and welfare of pupils and staff are always our top priority.

"After the device was found, we immediately called the police and followed their advice.

"The school was evacuated quickly and calmly to ensure the children remained safe. The children were in no immediate danger."

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