POLICE were called to a Powys high school after an air pistol was fired in a nearby field.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it detained three males when they attended at Crickhowell High School and they are currently helping police with their enquiries.

The school was put on lockdown while the police were called.The force said it responded after the reported sighting of three men on Friday afternoon with what was thought to be a weapon.In a message to parents the school said the air gun was discharged in Bull Pit Meadow, a field next to the school.The message, signed by headteacher Jackie Parker, said: "There has been an incident this afternoon where an air pistol was discharged in the Bull Pit meadow, a field near school site. The noise of this discharge may have alarmed some students. We can reassure you that students were not at risk. We followed our emergency protocol and police were immediately called to Bull Pit meadow.""There is no further risk to students and school is continuing as normal."The school's information bulletin added suspects had been "identified and apprehended".

A police spokeswoman said: "Police were called at approximately 2.05pm this afternoon, Friday January 25, to a report that three males had been seen on land adjacent to Crickhowell school grounds, with possibly a weapon.

"The children at the school were kept inside for a time for their safety.

"Police attended and detained three males who are currently helping police with their enquiries.

"The local Neighbourhood Police Team have remained in the area and are available to speak to any concerned members of the community. A Police presence will continue to be in the area whilst they conclude searching for any possible evidence."

Police haven’t said what type of weapon may have been involved. Powys council has said the alarm was raised after pupils overheard something on land next to the school and safety procedures were put in place. The authority said no pupils were in danger.

The school has close to 800 pupils.

Work to erect a £100,000 1.8m high security fence, around the school grounds, had begun earlier this month.