School forced into lockdown after ‘threat to two boys by former pupil’

A school was plunged into a partial lockdown following a ‘threat’ made to two boys by a former student.

St Hild’s Church of England School, on King Oswy Drive in Hartlepool, barred children from leaving from around 3.35pm.

As worried parents and guardians flooded the school’s Facebook page, the school stressed that all pupils were ‘safe’.

A message from the school read: ‘Parents please bear with us we need to ensure that the children remain safe and will update as soon as possible.’

The nature of the incident was not specified by the school but a ‘precautionary police presence’ which included armed officers and a helicopter was established.

Students were allowed to leave the school, which has nearly 700 pupils, at 5pm.

A boy, 16, was arrested at this home address and taken to police custody.

Cleveland Police said officers attended ‘as a matter of precaution following some concerns raised after a threat was made to two boys at the school by a former pupil’.

‘We would like to thank the community for your cooperation and patience during this incident,’ police added.

In a statement, the school said: ‘We want to inform you that the partial lockdown has been released.

‘Children will now be dismissed from the school site year group by year group.

‘We appreciate your cooperation and assistance during this time. Thank you for your understanding.’

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