The sudden closure of a junior school was caused by "rodent sightings", its headteacher has finally confirmed.

Watton Junior School closed its doors to pupils midway through last Thursday, sending them home early and remaining closed the following day.

Initially, school leaders described the closure as being due to a "minor hygiene issue", keeping details of the problem vague.

However, this sparked anger in the town with parents calling for greater detail, as rumours circulated online, with some parents reportedly reluctant to send their children back in following the school's re-opening on Monday.

But in a letter to parents sent on Monday afternoon, headteacher Helen Kemp has shed new light on the reason for the closure.

Eastern Daily Press:

She wrote: "On Thursday, a small number of rodent sightings were made in different blocks and areas of the school.

"As we were unable to ascertain the extent of the problem, I decided to close the school as a precautionary measure."

Following the closure, which sent parents scurrying to collect their children, the school contacted pest controllers to carry out investigations.

Eastern Daily Press: Watton Junior School has been forced to close today and will remain closed tomorrow

Mrs Kemp added: "Having attended the site on Friday morning, the pest controllers confirmed that the school was completely safe to open.

"They think local building works and poor weather conditions may have contributed to the sightings.

"The contractors have put in some preventative measures to reduce the risk of further issues. We have asked them to return regularly to review matters.

"I apologise for any inconvenience or concern and hope you will understand that all decisions were taken to keep our children and staff safe and to reduce worry."

It has not been confirmed what type of rodents were spotted on site.

The closure sparked "chaotic" scenes at the school, with neighbours describing hearing children scream at around 2pm on Thursday afternoon.