The headteacher of a school at the scene of a dramatic arrest has spoken out to assure the community that all of their equipment is safe and secure.

In the early hours of Sunday morning many of the residents of Waltham Abbey were woken up by the sound of helicopters searching the town.

Ground units were also involved after activity was reported at King Harold Academy shortly before 12.25am.

Following the search in the now pitch black streets of Waltham Abbey, a 34-year-old man was detained by officers.

Denice Halpin, head of the Broomstick Hall Road school has spoken out to dispel rumours that teh school was raided by thieves.

In fact, Mrs Halpin says that as far as she is aware, nothing has gone missing.

She said: “I know that stories have been doing the rounds after a man was arrested.

“At the moment we don’t even know if anyone entered the school. Staff haven’t identified anything as missing.”

Mrs Halpin praised the police for their swift action after the school alarm was activated.

“Our alarm system is very, very good. When it goes off my phone rings and a message goes straight to the police,” She added.

“They acted within minutes. By the time I knew about it, it was already over.”

Barry John Whittaker, of Mallion Court in Waltham Abbey has since been charged with burglary and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on February 11.