London school evacuated as police investigate 'suspicious package'

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

A London secondary school and sixth form was evacuated following a “suspicious message”, prompting a police search of the building, staff said.

Police officers were called to the Welling School academy in Bexley, south-east London, head teacher Diane Khanna told parents in a message posted on its website.

Pupils were sent home, the notice said.

The Metropolitan Police said it was called at about 11.45am and that officers swept the school following reports of a possible suspicious package.

About three hours later, the force said, the incident was "declared non-suspicious and ... stood down".

Ms Khanna said in her initial message: “Police are aware of the threat and on school site. Whilst the police investigation is underway we have been advised that we are unable to comment any further.

“As you know, the safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount and we take matters such as these very seriously.”

The Met's first statement said: “Police were called at approximately 11:45am to reports of a possible suspicious package at a school on Elsa Road, Welling.

“The school was evacuated as a precaution and cordons are in place. Officers remain on the scene and are searching the building.”