A group of schoolchildren had to abandon their swimming lesson without their clothing and towels after a leisure centre was evacuated following a 'serious threat'.

The pupils from St Mary's Primary School in Ashford were attending their regular classes at the Stour Centre yesterday morning when the incident involving 'malicious communications' occurred.

The children were returned to the safety of their school in taxis and provided with space blankets to keep warm.

A police spokesman said: "Police were called at 11am on Thursday, April 27 to the Civic Centre in Ashford following malicious communications received by Ashford Borough Council.

"The Civic Centre and the Stour Centre were evacuated as a precaution and officers attended the scene. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."

In a letter to parents sent out last night, Ashford St Mary's head teacher Diane Moore said: "As you will be aware from the texts and messages which came out today, there was an incident earlier at the Stour Centre whilst your child was on their swimming lesson, in the pool.

"The Stour Centre received a call from the police, to say there was a serious threat, and that they should evacuate the centre immediately, without collecting their clothing or towels.

"The teachers, parents and children were directed to an area away from the building, and the Stour Centre provided space blankets and some clothing arranged for taxis to transport everyone back to school, where we had turned the heating up to full in the classrooms, and arranged for clothing and food, as well as a welcoming party for them.

"Some of the children were understandably anxious, but have quickly recovered.

"We have spent time talking to them all to ensure they realise that the purpose of the evacuation was to keep everyone safe, and that there is nothing to worry about in the future."

The head teacher went on to express her pride in how the situation was handled: "I would like to say how incredibly proud I am of the way everyone behaved.

"Your children did exactly as asked quickly and without question, our year 4 staff at the Stour Centre and the team back at school responded so professionally and the process was managed as smoothly as it possibly could be.

"I also would like to say a massive thank you to all the parents who accompanied us on the trip.

"Your calmness and care meant that the children felt safe and secure at a time which could have felt very threatening. Well done to everyone. I look forward to a less eventful set of swimming lessons for the rest of the term!"

The Civic Centre, which houses the offices for Ashford Borough Council, was also evacuated during the incident.

A council spokesperson said: “There was a security alert yesterday morning on Thursday April 27, which resulted in the Civic Centre and Stour Centre being evacuated as a precaution in line with our established and practiced procedures.

"Everyone was able to return to the building within half an hour.”