Primary school 'on lockdown' as armed police descend on Teesside estate - with parents told to take students to main hall

A primary school has been put 'on lockdown' after armed police descended on an estate in Teesside. 

Parents at Tilery Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees were told to take their children to the main hall as the operation unfolded.

Several raid vans, along with armed officers, swarmed the Portrack estate this morning. 

The primary school issued an alert to parents, stating: 'Due to an ongoing police incident on the Portrack estate, if your child is coming to school, can you please take them to the main hall.

One witness told Teesside Live: 'Armed police everywhere St Anne's Terrace. School on full lock down taking all the kids to the main hall no parents allowed in to the school grounds'.

Both Cleveland Police and Durham Police were in attendance.

MailOnline understands that officers were carrying out a series of pre-planned drug raids and that that there was no immediate threat to the school.  

Tilery Primary School has more than 300 pupils, aged 2 to 11. Children and staff had been preparing for end-of-term activities before breaking up for the Easter holidays later today. 

The school issued an update just before 11am stating: 'THANK YOU to all parents, carers and families for your patience and understanding this morning.

'The safety of our children, staff and community is our highest priority and we followed our safeguarding procedures to ensure this.

'Children are now back in classes and we will keep you updated on the situation.'

Police have also been spotted on Hertford Road - 1.9 miles from Portrack.

One witness told Teesside Live the road was closed.

A police spokesman said: 'Police are currently carrying out a series of warrants in the Stockton area as part of an ongoing operation.

'Armed and unarmed officers from Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police are involved in the activity as well as specialist search officers and dog section.

'A cordon remains in place at these addresses.

'We will issue further information on this activity as soon as possible.

This is a breaking news story - more to follow