A SCHOOL was on lockdown after a knife-wielding teenager was spotted on the grounds.

Police received reports of a teenager threatening to harm himself at Regents Park Community College in Southampton on Monday morning.

The school, which caters for 11 to 16-year-olds, was forced to go into lockdown procedures as the situation unfolded, which involved a 16-year-old boy who is not a student at the school.

Specialist officers were called out to the school in King Edward Avenue at about 8.45am and apprehended the boy who was trespassing on the school’s property.

Witnesses said they saw a large number of police at the scene in the morning.

They have also claimed that the teenager was holding two knives when he was on school property.

A woman said on Facebook: “Anyone know what was going on at/outside Regent’s Park school this morning? Loads of Police cars/vans/dogs!!”

Terrified parents took to social media to try and find out was happening, as well as contacting the Daily Echo.

They claimed they saw a large police presence at the school, including sniffer dogs during the morning's police operation.

One parent said her daughter texted her to say students were locked in their classrooms while police dealt with the situation.

The force says the incident was “dealt with quickly and safely and without further incident”.

No-one was injured during the incident.

The boy was arrested and he remains in police custody.

A statement released by the school and sent out to parents of pupils, said: “Regents Park School activated a lock-down procedure today due to an intruder accessing the building.

“We would like to say how impressed we were that our staff and students worked together in a calm and orderly manner to ensure their safety.

“The emergency services rapidly responded and took the lead in resolving this situation and apprehended the trespasser.

“This emergency fully tested out preparation and planning for such an event, as safeguarding procedures are a constant priority.

“The school quickly resumed normal lessons and remained open.”

When the school went into its lockdown protocol all the students and staff were forced to remain in their classes while police officers entered the school premises and apprehended the teen.

Following the incident head teacher Jonty Archibald went round each class and spoke to all students and a text was sent out to parents informing them what had happened.

The teenager remains in police custody and may be charged following questioning by the police.

The school continued classes shortly after 9am and staff planned on opening as normal today.