POLICE have reassured the community that no direct threats were made to a school yesterday.

Officers attended Dukesgate Academy in Earlsdon Crescent, Little Hulton, at 6.25am after concerns were raised about the safety of pupils and staff.

Following extensive enquiries, Greater Manchester Police has now confirmed there was no real threat to the school.

Parents of children at the school were also handed a letter this morning reiterating what the police had said.

School 'evacuated following threat'

Det Chf Insp, Christopher Walker, from GMP's Salford borough, said: "We take all reports of threats extremely seriously and our initial response was to safeguard the school and its pupils as a matter of priority, while we investigated the full circumstances.

"I understand parents' and members of the community will be concerned and I want to assure you that the headteacher’s decision to close the school was fully supported by myself and was a matter of precaution in the first instance.

"After carrying out extensive enquiries, however, it became clear that there was no evidence to suggest any real threat.

"I would like to thank all parents and guardians for their patience yesterday, as well as the school, during what would have been a worrying time."