A MAN has been charged after allegedly making threats with a firearm close to Hooke Court School, near Beaminster.

Armed police were called to a house in the village shortly before 1pm on Wednesday following reports that a man had made threats against someone he knew.

Lee Marsh, 40, from Hooke, was arrested and charged with a public order offence. Following normal procedures officers seized a number of lawfully held firearms from the address. Police said was no suggestion that the man had threatened members of the public with the weapons.

Marsh appeared before Weymouth magistrates on Thursday and was released on bail until June 2 for trial.

Some 30 pupils aged between five and 13 attend independent Hooke Court School. A residential study centre also operates on the site.