A SOUTHAMPTON college was put into "lockdown" yesterday after a teenage intruder entered school grounds.

Students were locked in classrooms at The Sholing Technology College after a 13-year-old girl gained access to the school site without permission.

School bosses say the girl, who was not a student, was 'quickly apprehended' by staff.

Headteacher Martin Brown said the school was put in lockdown as a 'precautionary measure'.

The school has not yet responded to requests for a further explanation as to why the lockdown procedure was activated.

In a statement, Mr Brown said: "We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

"A 13-year-old-girl, not a student at the school, made access to the school site without permission, and was quickly apprehended and contained in the school reception area.

"As a precautionary measure the school was placed on lockdown.

"The incident was dealt with quickly and safely, at no point were any members of the school community at risk.

"The police were informed and met with senior staff.

He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all members of our learning community who worked together in an orderly and focussed manner to ensure their safety."

Police have confirmed they were called to the incident, just before 10am yesterday, which they say involved a 14-year-old girl.

A spokesperson said: "We received a report that a 14-year-old girl, who was not a pupil at Sholing Technology College, had attended the site and was refusing to leave.

"When she was told police had been called, she left."