A Dover secondary school was on alert this morning after a man was seen on its property.

The police were called to Dover Grammar School for Girls in Frith Road just before 10.30am, where officers managed to speak to the man.

He said that he was on his way to mainland Europe via Dover from Stoke on Trent in the north of England.

Matthew Barlett, the head teacher, stressed that "at no point were staff or students at risk" but said he was concerned at the police response time.

He claimed it took officers half an hour to get to the school from the time the 999 call was made.

Mr Bartlett said: "I do not want to raise any alarm.

"The matter was dealt with by senior colleagues and everything was calmed down and nobody was at risk.

"Our primary concern is the safeguard and well being of all our students.

"We acted immediately and everything is being reviewed."

A police spokesman said: "No offences had been committed, officers gave advice to the man and he continued on his journey."