Pupils at a Rainham school were evacuated and a police cordon put in place after a "threatening phone call".

Newtons Primary School in Lowen Road and nearby properties had to be emptied today (March 5).

Pupils were seen assembling at the Mardyke Community Centre.

Romford Recorder: A cordon was put in place by Met PoliceA cordon was put in place by Met Police (Image: Contributed)Dagenham and Rainham MP, Jon Cruddas, said that shortly after the evacuation people were able to go back to their homes and the school advised parents that their children can be collected from Walden Avenue.

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Mr Cruddas said: "There was quite a scare this afternoon on the Orchard Village estate and at Newtons Primary School as a result of a threatening phone call.

"Thankfully there was no incident and the police are following it up.

"We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone; the emergency services, teachers, and local councillors for their rapid response to the situation - also a big thank you to the Mardyke Community Centre which acted as a rendezvous point to assist the school."

A staff member at Newtons Primary School confirmed that there was an evacuation at the school and that pupils were collected by their parents after being moved to the Mardyke Community Centre.

One South Street resident, Shanel Sales, said the area was cordoned off by police with at least four to five police vans seen earlier. 

Further details on the incident are awaited from the Met Police, who earlier confirmed that the school and nearby properties had been evacuated.