A school has reassured parents that “their children are safe” after a knife was brought in by a pupil.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says it was called to The Grove Academy in Watford on Thursday, September 17, after a year six pupil was found with a kitchen knife.

The child was caught carrying the knife in her bag, police said.

Following the incident, the school has said it has followed all the necessary procedures in line with police, Hertfordshire County Council and Aspire Academies Trust guidance.

Principal of The Grove Academy, Mr Mohamed, said: “We can confirm that we were alerted to a dangerous item being brought into school last week (Thursday 17 September). We responded immediately and called the police. They are currently investigating and it would therefore be inappropriate to go into further detail at this time.

“The safety and welfare of our students is of paramount importance to us and we have very robust procedures in place to deal with security and safeguarding issues.”

Staff at the school had contacted police to help assist teachers with the situation following the incident last week.

Police said no threats with the knife were made to other pupils.

Mr Mohammed added: “We have reassured parents that their children are safe at school and have urged them to be vigilant about what their children bring into school.”