A secondary school was evacuated of all staff and pupils this morning after a threatening email was received.

A heavy police response was deployed to Whitstable School and sniffer dogs scoured the site.

Following an extensive search, nothing suspicious was found and classrooms were reopened.

It is thought the threat in the email was a hoax.

The school alerted police at 8.20am and pupils waited outside while officers scoured the Bellevue Road site.

District commander Chief Insp Mark Hedges said: "Kent Police was called following a report of a threat made in an email.

"Officers attended and carried out a thorough search of the site.

"Nothing suspicious was found and the school was deemed safe for children and staff to continue as normal.’

Whitstable School has been asked for comment.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable