Bomb squad called to Kent primary school after pupil brings in hand grenade

Remains unclear whether device was live

St Helen's Primary School (Google Street View)

Bomb disposal experts were called to a primary school after a pupil brought a hand grenade to class on Friday morning.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts from the Ministry of Defence rushed to the Kent school, which was evacuated after teachers spotted the device. It remains unclear whether it was live.

Police have cordoned off St Helen’s Church of England Primary School, near Strood, after the student brought in the antique explosive.

Parents were asked to collect their children from the pre-school opposite, as staff and children from the primary were evacuated.

Pupils and staff were moved into a neighbouring community hall while parents came to collect their children.

Teachers were able to return to the school at 1:30pm, Kent Online reported.

Kent Police spokesman James Walker said: “Police were called at 9.16am on Friday 14 June to a report that a suspected wartime munitions device had been taken into a school in Church Street, Cliffe, by a pupil.

“As a precaution, the school and nearby properties have been evacuated and a cordon is in place.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts from the Ministry of Defence have been called and there is no suggestion of malicious intent.”

Medway Council spokesman Celia Glynn-Williams said: “Staff worked effectively and swiftly to get the children out of school and into safety.

“Those who have not been picked up by parents are in a safe place nearby.”

SWNS