South east London secondary school is evacuated after reports of a 'suspect package'

  • Suspicious package found at 2pm by Stationer's Crown Woods Academy, Eltham
  • Parents told that police are 'currently managing situation' on school's Facebook 
  • Scotland Yard confirmed the school had been evacuated and cordon is in place

By ALEX MATTHEWS FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Hundreds of children were forced to flee their classrooms after reports of a 'suspicious package' at a secondary school.

The object was found at 2pm at the Stationer's Crown Woods Academy in Eltham, south east London. 

Police set up a cordon around the school and parents were warned to keep their children away until further notice.

Hundreds of children were forced to flee their classrooms after reports of a 'suspicious package' at Stationer's Crown Woods Academy in Eltham, south east London

Hundreds of children were forced to flee their classrooms after reports of a 'suspicious package' at Stationer's Crown Woods Academy in Eltham, south east London

However, the cordon was lifted at 4.15pm after officers found the package to be 'non suspicious'.   

After the evacuation, a statement to parents on the school's Facebook page said: 'At approximately 2pm today a member of staff discovered a suspect package in one of our school buildings. 

'In accordance with our policies we immediately contacted the emergency services who advised that, as a matter of precaution, we evacuate the academy as per our normal fire evacuation procedures.

'The police are currently managing the situation and we are cooperating with them to ensure the ongoing safety of our students and staff.

'The school day will end at 2:50pm today as normal and we are currently reviewing the best way to exit the site in a safe and orderly fashion.

'Due to the nature of the evacuation students may not be able to return to the building to collect their belongings and therefore staff will assist with any problems that this creates and the site will be secured this evening once we are able to do so.' 

LondonBreaking News

Most watched News videos