Three schools were placed on lockdown this afternoon after reports a man was seen with a knife in Dartford.

Oakfield Primary School, Dartford Science and Technology School, Wilmington Academy and Westgate Primary were all placed on police lockdown following reports of a man with a knife.

A spokesman for Kent County Council said: "Police arrested someone. Each school is off lockdown now. Police got the call just after 3pm and the schools got the call to lock down straight after.

"He was arrested around 3.30pm."

Alex Grey, a parent of a pupil at Westgate Primary, said: "Kids are all safe, police and helicopter are present and the suspect has been arrested. That's all the details I have so far with everyone being safe and the guy has been detained. As far as I am aware the school was put in lockdown and parents were contacted."

In an email sent to parents, seen by News Shopper, Westgate Primary confirmed a lockdown procedure was "effectively implemented" due to a police incident and pupils were safely dismissed once the incident had been resolved.

Kent Police confirmed it arrested a 23-year-old 'local' man.

A spokesman said officers were called to Heath Lane at 3.04pm 'following reports of a man seen with a knife'.

The spokesman said: "Officers established an altercation had taken place and located a 23 year old local man with a knife, who was arrested at 3.20pm.

"A second man, suffering minor injuries went to a local hospital."

This video, appearing to show a man being led away by police, was posted on social media this afternoon.

Oakfield Primary confirmed they were on lockdown and a message has been sent out to parents. 

A statement from Wilmington Academy said: "Following Police advice, students were temporarily held within the academy at the end of the day after reports of a serious incident elsewhere in Dartford this afternoon. 

"Upon receiving information that the incident had been dealt with, all students were allowed to leave site.  This incident did not concern Wilmington Academy directly."

Anne Davis, headteacher of DSTC said on the school's website: "As you may all be aware, there was an incident outside of the College today at 3pm. The Police are dealing with this and have detained someone in connection with this matter.

"I am extremely proud of the staff, parents, and students who worked together during this difficult time. I am also thankful to members of the public who offered their help.

"The College is open as usual tomorrow."

Did you see what anything? Get in touch at tom.bull@london.newsquest.co.uk