A secondary school was put into lockdown and police called after a man holding a saw was spotted outside the grounds.

However, it was later revealed to be a tradesman waiting for a lift.

Officers were called at around 1pm to Dover Christ Church Academy in Melbourne Avenue after staff raised the alarm.

A spokesperson for Turner Schools Trust, which runs the site, said: “The school initiated a precautionary lockdown procedure in order to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

“The school called the police, and officers responded immediately, enabling the school to lift the lockdown shortly thereafter.

“We would like to thank staff at the academy for their swift and decisive action in handling this incident.

Police attended and located the man in question.

A spokesperson said: “It was

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