Essex Primary school put on lockdown after man with knife seen near premises

A primary school was put into ‘immediate lockdown’ after a man was seen brandishing a knife nearby.

Children at a morning breakfast club were kept indoors as staff at Lincewood Primary School, in Langdon Hills, Essex, were forced to lock all doors after being alerted to the concerning incident.

Essex Police were called to the scene just before 8am on Wednesday and all pupils were kept inside, while those arriving were ushered to the main building.

The force has confirmed that a man, 53, has since been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

A spokesperson for Lincewood Primary School said: ‘At 7.55am this morning a man was seen with a knife close to Lincewood Primary School.

‘As soon as staff became aware of the situation, emergency safeguarding procedures were acted upon.

‘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.

‘Essex Police were called and dealt swiftly with the matter. No pupils or adults were harmed during this 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: ‘Officers attended and searched the area, before arresting a 53-year-old local man near to Lincewood Park Drive shortly after 8.15am.’