Parents have expressed concern after police were on scene at a primary school yesterday afternoon.

Police were called to Phoenix Primary School, in Leinster Road, Laindon, after a man was threatened with a knife outside.

It is understood he then ran into the school grounds to escape the group who were threatening him, prompting the school to lockdown its classrooms in a bid to safeguard the children.

The school sent a text to parents stating: "As you may be aware, there was an incident in the local area earlier.

"We would like to praise the police and local community for their fast response.

"We would like to assue you that the children were never at risk due to the school's excellent health and safety and security measures."

Police were seen carrying out door-to-door enquiries after the incident took place.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called shortly before 12.30pm on Thursday, October 4, after a man had been threatened in Laindon.

"It was reported that a man and a woman on a green moped, rode past the victim, a man in his 20s, on Leinster Road and threatened him with a knife.

"The man ran to safety and was not injured, but was left understandably shaken by the incident.

"No other threats were made and we do not believe there is further risk to other members of the public.

"Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information is asked to contact Basildon Police Station on 101, quoting reference 42/143838/18.

"Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/"

This is the second police incident in Leinster Road within a week.

Last week, the James Hornsby School were forced to call police after reports a teenager had a knife outside the school gates were made.

A spokesperson for Phoenix Primary School, said: “There was an isolated police incident in the local area yesterday, which was unrelated to the school.

“The school has robust security measures in place and at no point were any pupils of staff members at risk. We have been in touch with parents to reassure them of this.”