AN investigation has been launched after reports of an intruder at a camp during a school trip.

More than 170 staff and students from the Colne Community School in Brightlingsea were on a week-long stay at Essex Outdoors Danbury when the incident happened.

Students reported a number of personal possessions missing and said they believed an intruder had been on the site.

A statement from the school said: “As you can imagine this caused anxiety amongst many of our students who were rightly concerned about their possessions and personal safety.

“School staff immediately contacted duty staff at the centre and together they implemented procedures to ensure all staff and students were safe.

“The site was searched and there was no evidence of any intruders present at that time.”

One parent, who asked not to be identified, said she was told a child found intruders when they went back to their tent after a disco.

She said the boy was picked up by parents the following morning, along with 22 other youngsters according to the school.

The mum said she was unhappy about how the incident was handled by the staff.

She said: “He’s quite anxious so him going away was a huge thing.

“I made it clear to the school if there were any problems to call me.

“But they wouldn’t let him call me and that’s what I’m really cross about.”

She said she received an email the morning after the incident saying police had been called but there was nothing to worry about.

But the school said parents were not informed because “they felt the students were safe and not at risk of harm”.

The statement said: “An investigation was immediately started and is still ongoing.

“We’re pleased to confirm almost all the personal possessions were found.

“It appears rumours of intruders and theft amongst the children escalated quickly which resulted in challenging circumstances with many worried students that staff had to manage.”

School principal Neil Gallagher added: “I fully understand the students’ reactions and the resulting parental concern.

“I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of our staff at camp who worked tirelessly into the night to ensure all children felt safe and reassured.

“I can only hope the events don’t spoil the children’s memories of an otherwise excellent week at camp.”

Essex police says the incident has since been closed.