An investigation has been launched by police after "a threat" was received by a school in Rainham.

Pupils were evacuated from Newtons Primary School in Lowen Road yesterday afternoon (March 5).

A Met Police spokesperson said: "At 1.16pm on Tuesday, 5 March officers were called after a threat was made to a primary school in Rainham.

"Officers responded and carried out a search of the site. Nothing suspicious was found.

"An investigation is under way and further enquiries are taking place."

Pupils were assembled at Mardyke Community Centre before being picked up by parents.

A mum of a pupil shared that she was told there had been a threat to the school when she was on her way to pick up her daughter.

Romford Recorder: Police have launched an investigationPolice have launched an investigation (Image: Contributed)

She said: “I don't want to relive this day, pulling up to the school with every entrance taped off.

Read More: Newtons Primary School Rainham evacuated after 'call threat'

“Just hope the school is a safe place for our children as I know so many parents are now extremely worried."

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 could be collected from Walden Avenue.

He added: “There was quite a scare 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 South Street resident, Shanel Sales, told the Recorder that the area was cordoned off by the police with four to five vans seen earlier.