POLICE were called to a school near Northwich amid reports of a “suspicious man”.

Officers visited Hartford High School on Friday (December 22) as pupils prepared to leave for the Christmas break.

Cheshire Police had received a call saying that a man had jumped over a nearby fence before entering the school grounds.

However, the man in question turned out to be a member of staff and the incident is now being dealt with by the school.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “At around 12.20pm on Friday (December 22) police were called to reports that a suspicious man had entered the grounds of Hartford High School.

“The caller stated that they had been contacted by a member of the public who believed they had witnessed an unknown climbing over the fence on Carriage Drive.

“Officers attended and following enquiries the man was identified as a member of staff.

“The matter is being dealt with internally by the school.”

Hartford High School has been contacted for further information about the incident.