A ‘suspicious incident’ at a Southampton school sparked a police probe.

Officers received a report that several young people were on the grounds of Valentine Primary School at 8pm on Wednesday, December 20.

By the time officers arrived, nobody was present.

An investigation was launched but no crimes have yet been identified by police.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary told the Echo: “We received a report of a suspicious incident at Valentine Primary School at 8pm on Wednesday, 20 December.

“The report stated there were several young people on the grounds of the school on Valentine Avenue.

“Officers attended the scene and ensured the premises were secure.”

They added: “Nobody was present on the site at the time of our attendance, and no crimes have been confirmed at this stage.”

READ MORE: Police attend incident at Valentine Infant School

Multiple police cars lined Valentine Avenue on Wednesday night as police officers ensured the safety of the school and surrounding area.

Daily Echo:

Reacting to the police presence in the road, Terry White, a nearby resident, said: “My wife saw two police cars in the road, outside the school at about 8pm.

"The school alarm often goes off at night, so I don't know whether it was something to do with that and they were checking it out or whether it was more serious, but the alarm does go off quite often.”

He added: "The caretaker used to live in the road, but he's moved and has to travel in from further away now if something happens."

The incident comes during a time the school is temporarily closed for the Christmas holidays.

Earlier in December, Laura Osborne – a parent at the school – criticised Valentine Primary School for charging £3 to allow children to meet Father Christmas at the site, labelling the move ‘discriminatory.’

Following the criticism, the school reversed their decision, having ‘liaised with parents to resolve the problem.’