The flashpoint erupted after school on Friday and other pupils had heard rumours in advance of the trouble.

It's believed the disagreement centred on an argument involving girls.

Jo Venn, headteacher of Balshaws High School, said: "It was unfortunate and it's not something that either school would condone.

"It was not a school thing. As I understand it was between two boys, one of whom attends Balshaw's and one who goes to St Mary's."

The two schools had taken part in a football match on Wednesday although there was no hint of trouble, rumours began to surface about the ongoing dispute.

PCSO Tony Wojnarowski confirmed that Leyland police received a call at 3.39pm reporting pupils fighting close to the school on Church Road, but when they responded there was no sign of an incident.

Trevor Day, headteacher at Leyland St Mary's Catholic Technology College, on Royal Avenue, said: "There was not a fight. It was a crossing of certain people who we knew about and the police were informed as is our school policy.

"I have spoken to the head of Balshaw's and we are happy that the incident has been dealt with."