Herts Police are investigating after a “hoax” bomb threat sparked a college evacuation.

Students had to leave their bags in West Herts College, Hempstead Road, and exit the building as police cordoned it off “as a precaution”, earlier this afternoon.

There were rumours circulating about the nature of the incident but just before 4pm police confirmed it was the result of a series of anonymous messages suggesting a bomb had been placed on site.

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A Herts Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.46pm to report that three anonymous messages had been received by the college's switchboard.

“The messages suggested that an explosive device had been placed somewhere on the college site.

"The building was evacuated and a police cordon put in place.

Watford Observer: Police outside West Herts College.Police outside West Herts College. (Image: Contribution)

“Officers and college security staff then carried out a systematic search of the site but no suspicious devices were found, and students and staff were allowed to re-enter just after 3pm.”

With the messages "being treated as a hoax”, an investigation into the origin of the messages has been launched.

The police cordon has been removed.

Any information that could be helpful to police can be shared by calling 101 quoting ISR 350 of 12 March.