School placed in lockdown over social media threats to pupils

A SCHOOL in Dewsbury was placed in lockdown after threats were made to pupils on social media.

At 2.12pm yesterday police were contacted by Thornhill Community Academy informing the force the school would be taking security precautions following reported threats to pupils on social media.

Local officers attended the school in Valley Drive to speak with staff and pupils were released a short time later, police say. However, police remain in the area as enquiries are ongoing.

A text message, sent by the school to parents of pupils at 2.27pm and seen by Yorkshire Live, said: “The academy is in lockdown - this is a precautionary measure, all students and staff are safe.

“The academy is in lockdown as a result of information received about the end of the school day. All students are safe and there is no risk to staff or students. We are actively communicating with the local police and will be in touch as soon as possible. Please do not contact your child or turn up at the academy.”

Parents were later contacted and told that their children were allowed to leave “as normal”, with police located at every exit.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “At 2.12pm today (Friday), police were contacted by Thornhill High School in Dewsbury who advised they were taking security precautions following reported threats to pupils on social media.

“Local officers attended to liaise with staff regarding this matter and the pupils were released without incident a short time later. Enquiries are ongoing.”