"Although there was an incident, this message is to reassure you that all students and staff are safe and the matter has been dealt with.

"The Police have confirmed that they are happy for the school to remain open."

However, parents reacted with shock.

Mum Louise Johnson said: "I am absolutely dumbfounded, I cannot believe how it got into the school.

"It was only a few weeks ago I was talking to my kids about terrorist incidents and explaining. I know that my son was going to see these police officers and think 'I am going to die'.

"I cannot get to my son and tell him that it's okay, I just want to give my son a hug."

Another said: "There were a lot of scared parents, miles away at work, who were simply being told there was a police incident.

"The school refused to take calls or tell us anything and then we are hearing that a boy walked into the building with a gun and ammo.

"It was awful. All I heard was a kid turned up with a gun, nothing else and nobody would tell us anything. They should have known police would mention a gun and make sure their information was more comprehensive."