Ancaster High School was locked down Tuesday afternoon after reports surfaced of a person near the school with a knife.

As a safety precaution, the school was placed into what the school calls a "temporary hold and secure," police say.

In a news release, Hamilton police said that three teens who attended the school were seen with a knife in a sheath.

"When confronted by a concerned citizen about the possession of the knife the teens discarded it and returned to school," a police news release reads.

"Investigation revealed that the students had found the knife and may have intended on taking it home.

"At no time did the investigation reveal evidence that the students were planning on using the knife as a weapon or bringing the knife into the school."

No criminal charges are being laid, police say. The hold and secure at the school has since been lifted.

"The school board is now conducting an internal investigation into the conduct of the students which may result in other consequences," police say.