STUDENTS at a grammar school have been interviewed and cautioned by police after several weapons were found in school lockers.

Four pupils at Fort Pitt Grammar School for Girls at Chatham were questioned after a tip-off about a rumour that girls were going to have a fight with pupils from another school in Medway.

A knife, a screwdriver and a small metal bar were among the items found.

A spokesman for Medway Police said: “A police patrol was at a school at lunchtime on Wednesday, January 17. While in attendance, concern was expressed that a rumour had been circulating stating that a fight was going to take place between students from the two schools.”

The patrol worked with school staff to conduct a search of the lockers, which led to the items being recovered and four people being interviewed at Medway police station in connection with the offence of possessing an offensive weapon.

Det Con Claire Nix said: “I would like to congratulate the staff at the school for their vigilance and assistance.

“By working together both the officers and teachers have made their school a safer place.

“This investigation continues. However, I would like to stress that both the police and school concerned will simply not tolerate this behaviour. We will take appropriate action against those who endanger themselves and others by bringing weapons into the school.”

Head teacher Julia Bell said: “Medway police officers were making a routine visit to the school. At about the same time we had information from students and parents that some pupils had brought items into school to use if there were to be a fight after school.

“We alerted the police officers who were able to take immediate action. The school always works closely with our police partners as this incident demonstrates.

“While this is an isolated incident, everyone in our community know we will not have in school items of any kind which could be used to hurt others.”

It later transpired that the rumour was misplaced and there were no plans for a fight.