The ACS International School in Cobham was evacuated yesterday (Tuesday, November 16) after a bomb threat now thought to be a hoax was made by telephone.

Reports of a school-wide evacuation of staff and students emerged on Tuesday evening alongside news of a heavy police presence at the school's location between the River Mole and A3 motorway.

It later emerged that the school had received a phone call alleging there was a bomb on the tennis courts, prompting a swift response from school staff and a rapid arrival at the scene by various police forces including the National Police Air Service.

Responding to a request for comment from the Surrey Comet Wednesday, the school offered the following statement:

"On the afternoon of 16th November, the school received a phone call from an unknown person who claimed there was a bomb on the school tennis courts. The school immediately alerted the police and simultaneously evacuated everyone from the vicinity. Special Police officers, dog units and the National Police Air Service completed a thorough search of the site and informed the school that the incident was being 'deemed a hoax and there is considered no wider risk to the public'."

The Surrey Comet also reached out to Surrey Police regarding the bomb threat and subsequent police operation at the school.

A spokesperson said: "Officers were called to ACS International School in Cobham at around 4:45pm yesterday afternoon (16 November) following a suspicious call which caused concern. Specialist officers including dog units and NPAS were in attendance carrying out searches and as a precaution, the area was kept clear. The call is being deemed a hoax and there is considered no wider risk to the public."

The spokesperson added that "enquiries remain ongoing" into the apparent hoax without offering additional details.