A large number of police vehicles converged on a North East school after an altercation left one person injured this afternoon (Thursday, February 2).

Police vans and cars were seen outside Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit in Billingham at about 1.15pm.

Residents near the school on Marsh Avenue were told to stay indoors due to the incident.

Cleveland Police, who attended the scene, have since confirmed the reason for the heavy police presence was an altercation near the school.

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In a statement, a Cleveland Police spokesperson confirmed enquiries were ongoing into the incident.

They said: “Police were called to a report of an altercation involving a number of teenagers around 1:15pm today, Thursday 2nd February, at an address on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham.

"Officers attended and one person reported a minor injury.

"Enquiries are ongoing”.

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Residents were left shocked and confused at the large police presence and reacted online to the incident.

In a social media post, one said: "I wondered what was happening when I saw loads of police vehicles driving down marsh house. I thought I was seeing things as there was one then two, then traffic lights and more would appear"

Another resident said: "When they say officers attended, did they send the entire police force?"

While another resident said: "Several! I think the whole shift turned up!"

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This comes after pictures emerged showing a large number of police vehicles outside the school premises.

The Northern Echo has contacted Cleveland Police and Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit for more information on the incident.

The school provides provision for Key Stage 3 and 4 to pupils not in mainstream education and those accessing alternative education provision.