POLICE were called to a secondary school after two children came to class in possession of knives.

The weapons were found in the bags belonging to a pair of Year 11 boys.

The discovery on Wednesday prompted a visit to the school from Sussex Police officers. Detectives are investigating but no arrests were made.

Both boys were excluded.

Paula Sargent, headteacher at Patcham High, said: “Members of our student body rightly and responsibly alerted staff yesterday that two boys were in possession of knives in their bags.

“On investigation, this proved to be the case, the police were called and the boys concerned were immediately excluded from school.

“We will be taking swift action to address this issue with a series of assemblies after the Easter holidays in partnership with our police colleagues.

“The safeguarding of our school community is of paramount importance and we take such matters extremely seriously.”

Sussex Police said there was no suggestion the knives were used in any form of dispute between the boys.

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called to the school in Ladies Mile Road at 2.15pm on Wednesday.

"There have been no arrests at this stage.

"Arrangements have been made for the boys to voluntarily attend interviews with their parents during the school holidays.”