A THREAT sent to a secondary school forced students to be put into lockdown.

Children at RGS Worcester, in Upper Tything, had to shelter in classrooms after police told school leaders to activate its lockdown procedure on Tuesday (September 10).

However, officers said they did not believe it was a credible threat but advised the school to go into lockdown as a precautionary measure.

A spokesperson for RGS Worcester said: "Yesterday, we received a message which was immediately reported to the police.

"Whilst the police did not believe this was a credible threat, RGS Worcester took their advice and implemented a precautionary measure."

The school had initially planned to hold a lockdown drill later in the term, but the decision was made to move it forward in response to the threat made.

Police officers were also seen around the school throughout the day.

John Pitt, headmaster of RGS Worcester, said pupils' safety was the school's top priority.

He said: "Occasionally, schools, like other institutions, require precautionary measures to be implemented, and in this instance, we responded promptly and in line with our established procedures of following police advice.

"The safety of our pupils and staff is our top priority and we will always take the upmost precautions beyond those advised to keep everyone safe.

"Our thanks to the staff and also to the police for their support."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We received a call around 8.30am on Tuesday morning (September 10) from the Royal Grammar School in Worcester regarding a message they had received.

"The message was assessed and it was found to be a malicious communication and there was no credible threat or risk to pupils at the school.

"Officers were on the scene throughout the school day and at home time to offer reassurance to the pupils and staff."

RGS decided to postpone the new parents' events that was scheduled for that evening.

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RGS Worcester has a special drill and alarm for lockdowns that differs from fire drills.

While rare, schools do practice lockdown drills in case of an emergency.

A school in Tewkesbury was placed into an emergency lockdown for several hours last year after a male teacher was stabbed by a student in a corridor.