A STUDENT was "threatened with a knife" on his way home from school, a headteacher has warned.

Daniel Steel, the new headteacher at the King John school in Thundersley issued an urgent warning to parents last night after one of his pupils was threatened with the weapon.

The student was told to give over his bike.

The attacker wasn't known to the school, and from the "outside community."

The pupil was able to flee and is believed to have returned home safe and sound.

In a letter home to parents, which the Echo has seen, Mr Steel said: "We would like to alert you to an incident which took place this evening to one of our students who was on their way home from school.

"The police have informed us that our student was threatened with a knife by a man from the community, not known to the school, to give over his bike.

"He was lucky enough to get away and call 999 and is safe.

"Can we please ask you to ensure your child takes necessary precautions and stay vigilant.

"If they can travel home with friends, that would be safest."