A CORRINGHAM school is in lockdown as police have descended on the site.

The exact nature of the situation remains unclear, but police have issued a statement confirming officers are on site.

A school spoksperson confirmed staff and pupils were in lockdown as police delt with the incident.

One parent outside the school told the Echo that parents were gathering at the school gates.

"It looks like the kids are being led out at the moment, I think they are evacuating it," they said.

"There are lots of parents here at the gates."

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "We have units in attendance at Gable Hall School, in Corringham, as part of a response to a call received shortly before 11am this morning, Friday, December 17.

"At this stage, officers are on the scene and we are liaising with the school.

"The safety of everyone in the school is our priority.

"We will provide an update on the situation as soon as we practically can."

More to follow.