Police issue update on man acting 'suspiciously' after Willenhall schools locked down

It has been confirmed by police that a person reported acting suspiciously in Willenhall had not committed any offences.

West Midlands Police initially said it had officers patrolling in the area after reports had been made, with several schools locked down during the search on Thursday afternoon.

In an update sent later in the day, the force confirmed that it had identified and spoken to the person in images received and confirmed that he did not have a weapon and had not committed any offences.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We've now identified and spoken to the person who was reported to be acting suspiciously and who had been pictured in social media images.

“We have also reviewed other, higher-quality imagery from the area and are satisfied that he did not have a weapon, and has not committed any offences.

“We appreciate the concern that this incident has caused in the area, and would thank the community, particularly the schools who kept children back, for their support.”