PUPILS at Caversham Primary School were evacuated this morning following a security alert.

The Hemdean Road school was cleared shortly after 10.30am to allow fire crews and police officers to scour the grounds for any suspicious devices.

After a thorough investigation nothing was found and children and staff were given the all clear to return to lessons.

During the search a section of Hemdean Road had to be closed off to through traffic and local buses re-routed.

Today's evacuation came as part of a series of apparent hoax calls throughout the country being reported as happening around the same time.

Back in February the same school had to be searched by police sniffer dogs after an alleged "terror threat".

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "We were called today at 10.30am to reports of a security alert at Caversham Primary School in Hemdean Road.

"The school had evacuated its pupils and staff.

"Our officers went but nothing suspicious was located.

"This is currently being treated as a hoax."

It is understood that a letter is being sent out to parents of pupils at Caversham Primary setting out what happened.

A spokesman for Reading Borough Council said: "Caversham Primary School was evacuated at 10.25am today due to a security alert.

"The school’s emergency procedure was successfully implemented and the emergency services were called and the children taken to a local school until Caversham Primary was confirmed as safe.

"All children returned to their classes safe and well at about 11.45am. The school would like to thank the police and fire service for their prompt and professional response."