Police are investigating a security threat to Norton Knatchbull School's sports day.

Community support officers have been drafted to the Julie Rose Stadium today, where the sports event is taking place, after a threat was made to security.

Susanne Staab, head teacher, said police and the school believe the threat was a hoax and simply a "rumour that got out of hand".

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She said: "Last night the school received information from some parents that there were rumours of a threat allegedly made by a student to this school in relation to our sports day today.

"The school contacted the police who carried out extensive investigation last night and this morning into these allegations and consider this to be a hoax.

"The police have assured the school that sports day can go ahead safely.

VIDEO: Police at the scene

"There will be community support officers around the school and at the Julie Rose Stadium to provide a reassuring presence today.

"We have had no suspect packages, no guns, no bombs, I've heard all sorts of stories! It's a rumour that has got out of hand."

A police spokesman confirmed officers had been made aware of a report of threatening comments on social media.

She added: "Officers are liaising with the school as part of their enquiries. The school remains open."