Primary school evacuated after pupil brings explosive to show and tell

Pupils at a junior school had to be evacuated after a child brought in an 'explosive' device to show and tell.

It was not the normal fire drill for children and teachers at Orchard Junior School in Dibden Purlieu, New Forest as police were called this afternoon after the 'historic incendiary device' was brought to the school.

The item was presented in class which caused the school to be 'calmly' evacuated, Hampshire Constabulary said.

The school said 'all necessary processes were followed' by the school adding that the 'safety of all pupils and staff was maintained throughout'.

However, local resident Kerri L Watt, 40, said friends of her who have children at the school came to her house after the evacuation and described dramatic scenes where pupils were 'crying and so scared'.

 'It's not the usual fire drill, not like taking your time to get to the door, it was a bit of an actual panic to get out of the building,' she told the Southern Daily Echo.

According to Ms Watts, parents whose children attend a nearby secondary school, Noadswood School, had to pick up their children despite some of them normally walking home by themselves.

'It was all quite rushed' she added.

In an email to parents, the school thanked pupils, staff and families for their 'quick response'.