Four men were arrested after an axe was brandished in a fight at a college yesterday.

No-one was injured after police arrested a 19-year-old student on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon at Sir George Monoux College in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, at 11am.

Three others were arrested on suspicion of affray after the fight broke out in the canteen.

The Guardian is expecting to interview principal Paolo Ramella shortly, and a statement from him said: “The college and the police are jointly investigating the incident and will be taking appropriate action.

“The college is fully committed to the safety and welfare of its students and there is zero tolerance towards violence of any kind.”

The men were bailed until Monday, March 11.

There are around 2,000 students at the college, which has 24-hour CCTV cameras in operation, metal detectors, regular anti-crime conferences and on-campus security staff.