Schools put into lockdown over litter-picker tool

OFFICERS SAY DEVICE WAS MISTAKEN FOR A GUN

TWO Northumberland schools were placed in lockdown after a litter-picking tool was mistaken for a gun.

Morpeth Chantry Middle School and Morpeth Newminster Middle School, on Mitford Road, were placed in lockdown on Wednesday morning.

A pupil reported seeing a male in possession of a possible firearm entering a nearby woodland, with staff and pupils told to remain indoors.

Officers carried out a search of the area where two men were litter picking, with one matching the description provided.

“No other persons were found in the area, with officers believing a litter picking tool was mistaken for a firearm.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Just before 9am today (Thursday), police received a report of concern near a school in the Mitford Road area of Morpeth.

“It was reported a pupil at the school had witnessed a male in possession of a possible suspected firearm entering an area of woodland nearby.

“As a precaution, staff and pupils remained indoors, although no threats were made to anyone inside the building.

“Police immediately attended and conducted a thorough search of the area where two males were spotted litter-picking, one of those matching the description provided.”

“No other persons were identified in the vicinity of the school or surrounding woodland.

While the report was made in good faith, it is believed that the litter picking tool was mistaken for a firearm.

“As a result there has been an increased policing presence in the area.”

Alice Witherow, cochief executive of the Cheviot Learning Trust which runs the schools, said: “Both Chantry and Newminster schools followed their procedures and on the advice of police kept the pupils in the buildings whilst the reports of something suspicious were investigated.

“After a thorough investigation the police have told the schools that the incident has been closed and the schools can continue with their normal school days.

“Safety of all our pupils and staff is our top priority and I am pleased to say that all processes were diligently carried out by our school leaders.

“Our thanks to the police for their fast response.”

Police attended and conducted a thorough search of the area, where two males were spotted litter-picking Police spokesperson

Chantry and Newminster Middle Schools in Northumberland were put into lockdown

A litter picking device