A Norfolk school is facing growing pressure to explain to parents exactly why it suddenly closed, sending pupils home in the middle of the day.

Watton Junior School contacted parents to tell them it was closing with immediate effect, midway through last Thursday afternoon.

Concerned parents were told to pick their children up as soon as possible and the school remained closed on Friday.

Parents were given little explanation for the dramatic closure, with the school later releasing a statement blaming a mystery "minor hygiene issue".

Ever since, speculation has been rife in the town about the precise reasons.

Tina Kiddell, who represents the town on Breckland Council, said rumours of burst pipes and asbestos dust were spreading among parents. 

She added: "They are feeling very concerned and they want clarity and engagement from the school. They need to know the truth.

"People are speculating and they shouldn't be having to guess what has happened.

"The school needs to let parents know as there are children who have health issues who might be affected by this. People don't know whether to send their kids back to school - it should be their choice."

Eastern Daily Press: Watton Junior SchoolWatton Junior School (Image: Adam Barker)

Watton Junior School reopened today but there has been no further communication about the events of last week. 

In a brief statement to parents on Thursday, a spokesman for the school wrote: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we are having to close the school with immediate effect, including tomorrow.

"Please collect your children as soon as possible today. Do not call the school just please turn up at the office."

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor Tina KiddellCouncillor Tina Kiddell (Image: Tina Kiddell)

One parent said his distressed child was "shaking and nearly in tears", and that it was "mayhem and panic" when he tried to collect his children from the school gates.

"If it is something that isn’t worth hiding then I’m going to be quite upset," he said. "It was appalling."

The trust’s full statement read: "We were made aware of a minor hygiene issue at Watton Junior School on the afternoon of Thursday, May 16.

"In order to ensure the welfare of our staff and pupils, we took the decision to close the school.

"We are in the process of investigating the issue and we are confident we will be able to open the school fully as soon as possible."

It also confirmed that nobody was in any danger or came to any harm.