Schoolchildren 'went into panic' as a Bolton school entered lockdown following reports of a gunman outside. Pupils at Canon Slade School, on Bradshaw Brow, were kept inside while police were alerted this afternoon (June 16).
Greater Manchester Police confirmed it was called out to reports of a man with a possible firearm at around 2.50pm. Students were allowed to leave school once the situation had been deemed safe by officers.
The Manchester Evening News understands Year 8 pupils were brought into the school building from a P.E. lesson after a possible gunman was seen 'on the school field'. The mum of a Canon Slade student from another year, who asked to remain anonymous, says the Year 8 children began 'running in' to the school building.
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"There were reports that someone saw a man with a gun," she said. "The police turned up really quickly.
"My daughter's teacher said don't panic. A couple of minutes later the school goes into lockdown, all the kids went into panic at that point."
It's believed a man was seen near to the school, possibly shooting at birds, before the lockdown took place. The mum told the M.E.N. students weren't able to phone parents when the lockdown began.
She added: "My daughter was in tears thinking what's going on. Eventually when everything calmed down all the kids were on the phone straight away to their parents.
"The buses waited for them because they knew something was happening. My daughter phoned me, she was absolutely petrified."
Residents living close to the school told the M.E.N. they were unaware of what was happening, but noticed police in the area. A police helicopter was seen 'going round and round' while residents on Bradshaw Brow noticed sirens outside their homes.
In a letter to parents, Canon Slade School confirmed it entered a 'full lockdown' during the fifth period following the 'sighting of a suspicious intruder on the school field'. The letter continues: "It was alleged that the intruder had a firearm.
"The police responded immediately and carried out extensive searches to ensure the children staff and local resident’s safety. Only when the police gave us permission to release the staff and children could we do so.
"The staff were then able to accompany the young people out of the building and inform waiting parents. As yet we do not know the outcome of the police investigation but have been reassured the area is safe."
GMP says officers have since conducted 'extensive searches' surrounding the school. No arrests have been made so far and no injuries have been reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online, quoting log 2498 of June 16, 2023. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Dial 999 in an emergency.
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