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Pupils were evacuated from Islwyn High School yesterday afternoon after it received a bomb threat.

Gwent Police said it received a report at around 2pm on Wednesday, November 30, had received a phone call stating an explosive device had been placed inside the school in Oakdale.

In a statement the force said officers searched the school and found no explosive devices. Inquiries are ongoing to identify the person who called the school.

In a letter sent to parents, headteacher Jason Hicks said pupils were evacuated in a “timely and efficient manner” and that the school had robust procedures in place.

According to the letter canteen staff could not prepare food for everyone because of the evacuation.

Mr Hicks wrote: “Unfortunately, as the call was received at the very start of the designated lunch break, there was no provision from the canteen until staff were able to return to the building at 2.35pm. By this time much of the food could not be served and so what was left ran out more quickly than we would usually anticipate.

“We did our best to give everyone who wanted it access to food, but we are aware that a significant number of pupils may not have been able to eat from the canteen. In the circumstances. I am sure you’ll understand why that was the case.”