A SCHOOL enforced security measures for parents and pupils after allegations that a man was seen nearby with an air rifle.

The drama unfolded at St Anne's Primary School on Monastery Lane, Sutton as pupils were being picked up.

It is understood that after the alarm was raised with police, children, parents and grandparents were led into the school hall and security shutters were put down as a precaution before the situation was ruled safe.

A police spokeswoman confirmed they had received reports that a man was carrying an air rifle while standing beneath a disused rail bridge and that uniformed patrols were sent.

The incident happed shortly after 3pm on Wednesday, October 7.

A spokeswoman added: "A 21-year-old man from Sutton was arrested on suspicion of possessing an air rifle in a public police.

"The incident was reported close to a disused rail bridge on Monastery Lane, Sutton."

However, she added that incident had unfolded on school grounds and refuted social media claims that armed police were at the scene.

There is no suggestion threats had been made to the school.

Nevertheless, the security measures led to parents flooding social media with messages about the drama.

One emailed the Star, writing: “As I went to pick up my nephew there was a police car located next to the old bridge.

“I walked towards the school another police car came speeding down with the lights and sirens on. All parents at the school were called into the main hall so they could explain why police were there.

“They had to shut all the shutters and keep the kids in for security reasons.”

The school did not comment but a St Helens Council spokesman said: “As soon as school staff were made aware of the situation, police were called and all pupils were kept inside the school building.

“Parents arriving to pick up their children were also brought inside until police had dealt with the situation.”