A SPECIAL school is conducting a security review after a six-year-old pupil with learning difficulties wandered off and sparked a major alert.

The boy is thought to have run out of an unlocked door at Broadfield School, Fielding Lane, Oswaldtwistle.

The school, which looks after more than 100 pupils with learning difficulties, has reviewed security to ensure the "unfortunate incident" is not repeated.

The police helicopter, a specialist search team and police dog were put on alert after the emergency call from headteacher Jane White to Blackburn Police station, at around 2pm on Monday but the boy turned up before a full search could begin. He was found walking towards Catlow Hall Street -- three streets away.

Mrs White said it was "quite remarkable" that he managed to run off as he was in a class of nine children with four staff members at the time.

But the incident comes weeks after a full school risk assessment was carried out by governors which failed to spot the danger.

An emergency school safety meeting was called and a proposal to adopt double locks on all doors has been adopted.

The school already adheres to Lancashire County Council guidelines on pupil safety.

Detective Sergeant Mick Laraway of Blackburn Police said: "The staff did not hesitate in raising the alarm which helped a great deal in the speedy conclusion of the incident."

Mrs White said: "The health and safety of all our pupils is our prime concern at all times. We believe that the school is secure and correct procedures followed but we are concerned this incident has taken place.

"We have spoken with the parent of the child who was happy with the action the school took.

"His mother actually said to me that it is not the first time he has run off, he is such a determined, physically able and quick young boy."

DS Laraway said: "There is no suggestion that the school could have done anything to prevent this happening.

"It is just a small boy who saw an opportunity to wander off."

Lancashire County Council is responsible for the school safety measures as the employer. A spokesperson said: "General emergency procedures are in place and we are happy that these were followed."

A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Skills said: "Legal responsibility for pupil health and safety rests with the employer of school staff -- for most schools this is the local education authority."