A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after two pupils were allegedly threatened with a knife at a school.

Police were called to Archbishop's in Canterbury shortly before 11.30am yesterday following reports an excluded child came onto the school site with the blade.

A knife was later found by a police dog in a bush near to the site and was seized by officers.

Head teacher Michael Liddicoat said the excluded pupil was noticed on the playground during a break.

"Staff and governors at the Archbishop’s School take the safety and well-being of all pupils very seriously." he said.

"On the morning of Tuesday, October 30, a member of staff noticed that a pupil who should not have been on school premises, as he was subject to an exclusion, was in the playground during breaktime.

"Myself and the deputy head teacher were called and made our way towards the boy. It became apparent that the boy had a knife and police were called immediately.

"Myself and my colleague escorted the boy to another part of the school, away from pupils. He then left the premises.

“Police officers arrived quickly and the boy was later arrested. Additional members of staff remained on the playground with pupils as a precaution until the boy was in police custody.

“The school will support police with its investigation in any way it can. If any pupil has any concerns regarding this incident we would encourage them to speak to a member of staff.”

In an email, Mr Liddicoat reassured parents the "matter was dealt with swiftly".

It read: "An incident occurred at school today when an excluded pupil came onto the school site.

"Please be assured that staff responded quickly, the police were called, the matter was dealt with swiftly and nobody was harmed.

"Any pupils who were worried or concerned about the incident can talk to their form tutor or head of house."

Steve Knight, spokesman for police, said: "Police were called at 11.28am on Tuesday, October 30, to a report that a child had threatened two pupils with a knife at the Archbishop's School in Canterbury.

"Officers attended and arrested a 14-year-old boy at his home address in connection with the incident.

"He has subsequently been released on bail pending further inquiries until Tuesday, November 6.

"A Kent Police dog located a knife in a bush near the school that was seized by officers."