Bucks schools will be patrolled by police amid a school "wars" trend where social media posts encourage violence between pupils from "opposing schools".

Thames Valley Police (TVP) said it has seen "several posts" linking the national trend to schools in the Aylesbury area.

It stated: "The trend encourages pupils from opposing schools to meet and start a fight.

"Whilst this will cause concern to our communities, we are monitoring the situation closely.

"There will be an increased presence in several areas across Aylesbury, which will include reassurance patrols at schools listed on the social media posts, and contingency plans will also be in place should we need them.

"We are taking this matter seriously, and we are working with partners and other interested parties, while carrying out intelligence checks, and any incidents reported to us will be investigated accordingly."

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The force encouraged anyone with concerns to get in contact "promptly" or to call 999 if a crime is in progress.

This trend has been taking place across the country, including in neighbouring Berkshire, with "Reading Zone Wars" post shared online.

A flyer shared in an online community group that was entitled divided schools in Reading into the 'Red Side' and the 'Blue Side'.

It was aimed at students in Year 8 to Year 11, included the instruction "bring your biggest shanks" and seemed to be suggesting the groups named in the Red and Blue teams should "come out" on a specific day.

A flyer widely circulating online (Image: Contributed)

Responding to "Bristol War" posts shared on TikTok and Snapchat, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said that the "content is deeply concerning".

The minister added that she understands TikTok chiefs are taking "action to review and address it".

She said: "Encouraging violence by urging children to take knives to school is illegal.

"I expect platforms to abide by the letter of the law and where the content is illegal, they should take action to stop these abhorrent posts."