Pupils and staff from St Mark's Academy in Mitcham were evacuated after a bomb threat was reported at the school this afternoon.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were treating the threat as a hoax.

About 900 people including students and staff were evacuated from St Mark's Academy in Acacia Road, Mitcham, while police and the fire brigade assessed the situation. 

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called at 1.45pm to a school in Acacia Road following reports of a bomb threat. 

"Officers attended. The incident was stood down at 2.35pm.

"It is being treated as a hoax."

A mother of two girls at the school, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she had received a text from the school to say children were being sent home. 

However, police say this is not accurate and the school was only temporarily evacuated.

Roads have re-opened in the area, but heavy traffic is expected. 

This is the third time this year that Merton schools have been the target of bomb hoaxes. 

On January 26, both Raynes Park School and Ricards Lodge were evacuated after receiving bomb threats. 

And just two days later, on January 28, Ricards Lodge and Ursuline High School were both evacuated and Bishop Gilpin and Harris Academy Merton were closed after another spate of hoaxes.

January 28: Ricards Lodge and Ursuline High School evacuated, Bishop Gilpin and Harris Academy Merton closed after more bomb threats

Have you been affected by the bomb scare? Contact the newsdesk on pippa.allen@london.newsquest.co.uk or 020 8722 6337