A school was placed into lockdown after reports of an armed man nearby. Children and their parents were said to have been trapped inside the school after a man was reportedly spotted with a weapon.
West Mercia Police responded to the incident near Holmer School, in Hereford. The force received reports of a man allegedly with a weapon who was seen walking by the school before it was due to close.
The decision to place the school in lockdown meant that pupils and their parents were forced to remain inside while a significant police presence descended on the grounds. According to Your Hereford, a police helicopter was seen circling the area.
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The incident unfolded ahead of a concert in which children were due to participate tonight, Mirror reports. The incident was reported at about 3pm.
Parents were kept inside with their children for an hour before they were allowed to leave at 4.10pm. Police confirmed no arrests have been made.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said that officers were called to the scene following a report that a man was in possession of what was believed to be a knife. Searches were made in the area but no one was located, police said.
The spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Holmer Road in Hereford at around 3.10pm today, following a report that a man was in possession of what was believed to be a knife. Searches and enquiries in the area have been carried out and no one has been located.
“No threats were made to any members of the public. Police will remain in the area and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.”
School chiefs have been praised for their quick thinking response to the incident. One person posted on social media said: “Massive well done to Holmer school! Thank you to the head teacher and all staff for acting so fast to keep our children safe!”
A parent who was in the school when the incident took place thanked staff and said there was a ‘good police presence’ when they left the grounds. They wrote: “I also just want to say well done to Holmer School staff for keeping the kids and everyone safe.
“And good police presence outside the school once we were allowed out.” A third parent added: “A big thank you to the staff for once again showing how wonderful the school is. Acting efficiently with the police to keep our children safe.”