Primary school put on ‘immediate lockdown’ as police arrest a knifeman nearby
- Primary school forced to close after man was today seen with a knife in Essex
- Pupils were kept inside as officers scrambled to the scene at around 8am
- Essex Police have confirmed that a man has now been arrested
A primary school was put into ‘immediate lockdown’ today after a man was seen holding ‘a knife’ near the school.
Lincewood Primary School in Essex was forced to close and lock all the doors as children started arriving for school after staff became aware of the incident.
All pupils were kept inside and those arriving were rushed to the main building while Essex Police scrambled to the scene at around 8am today.
Officers have confirmed that a man has now been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
Lincewood Primary School was forced to close and lock all the doors as children started arriving for school after staff became aware of the incident
A spokesperson for Lincewood Primary School said the a man was seen with a knife at 7.55am.
He was then arrested shortly after a male teacher challenged him, according to the school’s Facebook page.
‘As soon as staff became aware of the situation, emergency safeguarding procedures were acted upon,’ a spokesperson said.
‘As there were a small number of pupils in the school at this time, attending a pre-school breakfast club, the school was immediately locked down, all the doors were closed and locked and children arriving for school were taken directly into the main building.
‘This is a scenario for which staff have trained and staff present in the school knew exactly what action to take.
All pupils were kept inside and those arriving were taken directly to the main building while Essex Police scrambled to the scene at around 8am today
The school added that police were ‘swiftly dealt with the matter’ and that no pupils or staff were harmed during the incident.
Julie Braithwaite, Acting Headteacher, said: ‘I am fully satisfied the correct action was taken to ensure the matter was dealt with appropriately and I want to praise the swift and calm actions of my staff.
‘We have assured parents that safeguarding procedures and guidelines were followed at all times and that the safety and welfare of pupils and staff members remains of utmost concern to us.
‘All school staff are committed to the emotional wellbeing of pupils affected by this incident and we will provide support for as long as it is required.’ A spokesperson for
Essex Police said: ‘A man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon this morning, Wednesday, December 4.
‘We were called to reports that a man was seen with a knife at The Triangle in Langdon Hills at around 7.55am.
‘Officers attended and searched the area, before arresting a 53-year-old local man near to Lincewood Park Drive shortly after 8.15am.’