Police have searched the area surrounding a primary school after reports a man was seen with a knife.

Officers were called out to Bleakwood Road, Walderslade, where St Thomas More Catholic School is based, just before 3pm.

While most of the school's pupils had gone home, staff acted quickly to secure the site.

Headteacher Victoria Ebden said: "We contacted the police after a member of the public raised concerns about a person acting suspiciously near the school this afternoon after most of the children had gone home.

"We took immediate action to secure the school.

"The police attended and carried out a thorough search of the area but did not locate anyone acting suspiciously.

"We understand that no threats were made to any of our children. We take the safety of our children very seriously and are asking our families to remain vigilant at all times."

A spokesperson from Kent Police said: "We received a report at 2.57pm of a man seen with a suspected knife, in an area close to Bleakwood Road.

"No threats were reported.

"Officers attended the scene and carried out a search. No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing."