Police have been called in by an East Yorkshire school following fears that pupils were planning a violent end-of-school attack with a gun.

Rumours circulated in Woldgate School, Pocklington, have generated anxiety among pupils, parents and staff after suggestions an armed attack was being planned when school finishes for fifth-formers tomorrow.

Inspector Steve Page, of Humberside Police, said: "There have been rumours in the school that somebody was going in on the last day of half term with a weapon to sort people out.

"This rumour was circulating around the school for some time, the police were informed and we have carried out an investigation.

"As a result of that we have spoken to two children at the school, who have denied being part of the rumour or of starting it."

School headteacher Jeff Bower said: " Two Year 11 pupils are not on the school site, although they have not been suspended. They could be victims of this rumour as much as anyone else.

"We are satisfied that this is just a malicious hoax, but obviously we have taken it very seriously and there are contingency plans in place for tomorrow."

Insp Page said: "As a result of the investigation there has been no evidence to substantiate this rumour, but there has been a great deal of hysteria in relation to it.

"What's happening is the school is working hard to restore confidence and normality so it can run calmly again. Our investigation has finished, but we will be having a high profile patrol to reassure people."

It has been claimed that some parents were so worried about the rumours, they had kept their children off school, though it is thought they have all now returned.

The attack rumour comes only weeks after 15 people were killed by a pair of teenage misfits at Columbine High School in Littleton, Denver, Colorado.

Insp Page said: "This rumour really has caused such fear and it is awful."

Mr Bower issued a letter to parents attempting to reassure them.

It read: "The school is actively co-operating with the police to investigate and resolve the matter. There is daily communication between the school and police and every possible step is being taken to track down the source of the rumours and deal with the issue appropriately.

"I have held assemblies in school this week to let the children know that we have the situation under control and that there is no cause for undue concern."

Bill Simmons, chairman of the school governors, said: ""We have been in touch with the relevant experts, such as the police and the local education authority, both about trying to diagnose what substance is in the rumours and also what possible procedures the school can put in place to preserve safety.

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