A 13-year-old from Watford has been arrested after schoolchildren reportedly received messages from someone “stating they were going to blow up the school”.

St Michael’s Catholic High School in High Elms Lane, near Garston, had a visible police presence following threats received last week.

Having already stated “there is no viable threat at this time”, Herts Police have since told the Watford Observer that a boy was arrested on Tuesday evening (November 7) on suspicion of sending letters with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police confirmed reports that the messages were also “of a racist nature”, but declined to comment further.

At the time, St Michael’s headteacher Edward Conway said: “We are working closely with the police after some of our students received malevolent messages.

“The wellbeing of our young people and wider school community remains our priority.

“I am delighted to report that the school remains a very calm and purposeful environment with Year 11 and Year 13 students currently sitting internal exams.”