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Schools in Leeds were told to be “vigilant” about people entering the sites amid reports of students being kept inside as part of lockdown-style measures.

Parents were told in a message from one primary school that the phone lines should be kept clear unless there is an emergency.

And West Yorkshire Police have now issued a statement, confirming the force was aware of an email “sent to a number of schools in West Yorkshire today”.

The email, seen by the YEP, which was sent by the principal of Westerton Primary Academy, in Tingley, said: “You may be aware that we have received a notice from Leeds City Council that all schools in Leeds need to be vigilant with regard to those entering school sites.

Wigton Moor Primary School in Alwoodley, Leeds, which warned staff with an email, seen by the YEP.

“The information is not specific in nature and is not attributed to any particular school. At this stage, we have undertaken appropriate checks and please be reassured that safeguarding and safety procedures are in place including increased staff presence on duty and around school.

“We would appreciate you helping us by keeping the phone lines free unless there is an urgent need to contact us. As it stands, we continue to operate a normal school day. If changes are necessary for the end of school pick up, we will contact parents again.”

An email sent out to staff at another school, seen by the YEP, said the school had "received an email and notification from the health and safety team today that threats have been made" towards a number of schools in Leeds.

The YEP understands a number of schools have been contacted by the council as part of the warning.

Commenting on the ongoing incident, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police are aware of an email which has been sent to a number of schools in West Yorkshire today.

“This is being investigated by police and officers are providing reassurance and safety advice to affected schools.”

Throughout the day, more schools confirmed they were introducing lockdown-style safety measures to protect staff and pupils.

Leeds City Council also said it was “working closely” with schools and police after threats were made “to a number of schools”.

Police later confirmed that an arrest had been made as part of their investigation.

Leeds schools implement lockdown-style measures as police make arrest after 'threats' to various schools