PUPILS were threatened by an armed gang waiting outside as they left school, it is claimed.

Police were called to James Hornsby School, Leinster Road, Basildon and arrested a 14-year-old on suspicion of possessing a knife after a number of concerns were raised about problems at the school gates.

The school, which has been praised for taking proactive action and dealing with problem, were among those who contacted the force.

On Monday police arrived and allegedly found a boy trying to dump a knife in a bush.

Headteacher Jason Carey said: “Just like every school at one time or another, about five lads from the community were hanging round and being rude to staff and students.

“We wait there at the gates every day and we just grew fed up with them so we called police last week and asked them for some help.”

Essex Police said they were called by someone on Monday to reports that one of the teenagers had a knife and sent multiple officers to the school although Mr Carey said the school were not aware of this at the time.

The 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife and released under investigation.

The group also caused some parents and students to feel intimidated, with many taking to social media to express their concern.

Carly Finley wrote: “I was walking towards the school at home time and there where a group of vile teenagers threatening a young student who was on his own and a man had got out of his car to help the boy being threatened.

“Luckily they couldn’t get to him but the things they were saying we’re absolutely disgusting and shocking to say the least.”

Reports also suggest the teens were telling some James Hornsby pupils they would get “shanked”.

Mr Carey added: “The safety of our pupils is paramount. We are always extra vigilant and we like to be proactive in ensuring our pupils can come to school safely. Hopefully these kids will realise they can’t hang round outside the gates and cause problems.”

Basildon man Paul Martin said: “It’s nice to see the school took a positive step to ensure everyone was safe.”