Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy after a hoax caller caused a panicked mass evacuation of a secondary school after calling in a bomb threat.
Police say no device was found at Birley Academy in Sheffield after officers rushed to deal with a 'suspicious incident' just before 10am today.
Parents described a scene of panic after being sent text messages urging them to collect their children.
The teenager was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and is currently in police custody.
Youngsters left Birley Academy (pictured) in Sheffield after South Yorkshire Police were alerted at 9:40am today
Pupils were earlier escorted out in small groups to nearby playing fields while officers combed the school for evidence.
A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said the college chose to immediately evacuate all 1,200 students as a 'precautionary measure'.
Headteacher Gina Newton said: 'Following notification of a bomb threat at Birley Academy this morning, we immediately implemented our robust and effective evacuation procedure.
'In line with our school continuity plan and through constant liaison with the police, we took the necessary planned steps to ensure student and staff safety at all times.
'We would like to thank everyone for ensuring our safeguarding practices were followed throughout.'
Police have warned those who make hoax calls could face a prison sentence.
Chief Superintendent Natalie Shaw said: 'After a prolonged search of Birley Academy a device has not been found.
'Enquiries are ongoing to identify the caller.
'Hoax calls are malicious and irresponsible and anyone found to have made a hoax call could face a prison sentence.'
However, some parents criticised the decision to close, accusing teachers of lacking organisation.
Two police officers stand outside Birley Academy after it was evacuated this morning
One parent, Mark Wale, said: 'I get the text, have to lock up my business during one of the busiest weeks of the year and go to the primary school to pick up my Y7 son.
'I arrive there, kids are milling about by the entrance, I wait there five minutes because I'm not sure if I can go on the field or not.
'Then I get fed up and walk in, and I'm greeted by 500+ kids just stood in a circle.
'No organisation, no nothing. Kids sat around waiting for parents or trying to get hold of parents.
'It was a free-for-all, bags just left on the field, kids wandering about everywhere. The parents could have been anyone.
'This was without a doubt the single biggest failure the school has made so far in a year that has a litany of problems.
'This is the blind leading the blind. I will be making an official complaint.'
Mr Wale said parents were sent this text from teachers: 'Unfortunately, there has been an incident at school today and the building has been evacuated.
'It may be some time until we can return, students are being sent home, please collect them from Birley Lane main entrance if you are able to.
'Please do not call school as there is no one on reception.'
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