A school in Eltham was evacuated this afternoon after a "suspicious package" was found inside the grounds.

Students at Stationers Crown Woods Academy were evacuated at about 2pm after a member of staff found the package inside one of the school buildings.

The school contacted the Met Police who attended the scene.

A statement from the school, sent to parents, said: "Due to the nature of the evacuation students were not able to return to the building to collect their belongings and therefore staff will assist with any problems that this creates and the site will be secured this evening once we are able to do so.

"Please be assured that all students are safe and accounted for. As you will appreciate in situations like this we will always put student welfare first but please accept our apologies for any disruption this may have caused."

The Met Police confirmed to News Shopper that they attended an evacuation this afternoon, and the situation was stood down a about 4.15pm.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "Police were called at approximately 1.50pm to reports of a suspicious package at a school in Bexley Road, Eltham.

"The building was evacuated as a precaution.

"The incident has now been confirmed as non-suspicious and was stood down."