A school was put on lockdown today after a disturbance thought to have involved a pupil's parent.

Officers were sent to the Robert Napier School in Gillingham at about 8.30am after school staff dialled 999.

It is understood the man, a 42-year-old from Gillingham, was abusive towards staff, including head teacher, Andrew Minchin.

The man, who has not been named, was arrested by police on suspicion of a public order offence, after he allegedly forced his way inside the building in Third Avenue.

While officers dealt with the incident, pupils were asked to remain in their classrooms and a letter was sent out to parents explaining why their children were kept in class during the incident for safety reasons.

A spokesman for police said: “Kent Police was called at 8.29am to a report of a disturbance at the Robert Napier School in Third Avenue, Gillingham.

“Officers attended and arrested a 42-year-old man from Gillingham on suspicion of a public order offence.

“He remains in custody and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”