Gang in ‘balaclavas with weapons’ cause Smethwick school lockdown
A 'gang wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons' forced a primary school in Sandwell to go into lockdown.
Shireland Hall Primary Academy in Montague Road, Smethwick were forced to take drastic measures to protect staff and pupils on Tuesday, October 7 afternoon.
Reports say a group of 'masked men' entered the school’ in Sandwell's playground and ‘threatened children and teachers.'
West Midlands Police have confirmed they are currently investigating "after reports of a group acting suspiciously in the street."
A parent reportedly said children saw a "group of men wearing balaclavas with weapons in their hands."
They added that children have been left “traumatised," and that some of the parents have refused to send their kids to school on Wednesday, October 8, in fear of another incident.
An alert sent out by the school at 8.30pm on Tuesday said: “We are writing to inform you that Shireland Hall Primary Academy enacted our lockdown procedure at the end of the day today.
“The lockdown was initiated as a precautionary measure in response to reports of adults on the school site wearing balaclavas and some potential weapons.
“We contacted the police who attended, advised us on the appropriate course of action and are investigating further.
“We want to assure you that:
At no point was any child or staff member in direct harm;
The safety and wellbeing of children is always our highest priority
We are incredibly proud of how responsibly our children and staff responded to the alert. Their actions demonstrated that our regular safety drills are effective."
The school's email continued: “We understand receiving information about a lockdown can be alarming. Please talk to your child tonight and reassure them they are safe.
“If your child expresses any significant anxiety or if you have any concerns about your child’s reaction, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s class teacher tomorrow. Our staff are ready to provide any necessary support.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with our safety procedures.”
A spokesman from West Midlands Police said: "We were called to Montague Road, Smethwick on Tuesday afternoon after reports of a group acting suspiciously in the street.
"Officers attended and there was no group in the area at the time.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with more information can contact us via 101 quoting log 3302 of 7 October."
