Armed police were called to investigate reports of a "man carrying a gun" near a Jewish school.

Alarmed members of the public dialled 999 after seeing the man outside Yavneh College.

But it was later revealed that the "armed" figure was in fact a sixth-former who was bringing a toy gun into the school for use in a play.

In an email to parents, Spencer Lewis, the Yavneh headteacher wrote: "There was some police and CST activity and lots of talk on social media but it was a false alarm. In fact it was simply one of our sixth-form students who was bringing a toy gun from his car to be used in a drama production.

"I am pleased to say that all appropriate procedures were followed and that everything is fine."

Firearms officers conducted searches in the area around Yavneh, and the neighbouring Monksmead School, before giving the all-clear.

Hertfordshire Police confirmed that they had been called to Hillside Avenue in Borehamwood just after 3pm on Thursday afternoon.

In as statement, police said: “No one has been threatened or injured.

"No verification can be made that the item was a gun and the matter has been deemed a suspicious incident.

"We are extremely grateful to members of the public for remaining vigilant, particularly in the current climate.

"We would like to reassure members of the public we do take reports such as these extremely seriously and if you have any concern about activities or behaviour of people, please contact police on 101 or if it is an emergency call 999 to allow us to respond accordingly."