UPDATED 4.30pm An Auckland school was put under lockdown today after two vicious dogs attacked a teacher and became loose on the grounds.

Students at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate were kept back after the 3pm school bell as attempts were made to retrieve the animals.

Parents who arrived to pick up their children were told of the situation.

The school sent out a text message and email to parents reading: "Lockdown at school due to 2 vicious dogs on school grounds. A teacher was attacked.''

Northern police communications said they received a call at about 3pm and Animal Control  officers were called to the school, on Bolton Street in West Auckland, immediately.

Children were let out safely just after 3.30pm.