School in ‘lockdown’ as intruders enter grounds
LARGE POLICE PRESENCE AT SCHOOL TO REASSURE PARENTS AND PUPILS
A Newcastle school was sent into ‘lockdown’ on yesterday after intruders were spotted on the grounds.
A substantial police presence has been outside Benfield School on Benfield Road, Walkergate, after intruders were seen in the car park. Inside, the school was sent into internal lockdown procedures just before midday with nobody able to enter or exit the building.
The intruders were not known to the school and they were not looking for or trying to interact with children or staff. It is believed they left the scene before the police arrived.
Worried parents hurried to the school to pick their child up after hearing about the scare.
One parent, who had been waiting for an hour to collect their son, said: “I was terrified when I found out but they sent some reassurance afterwards. We’re just waiting for our son to come out now.”
Taking to their official Facebook page, the school wrote: “We wish to inform all parents/carers that the internal lockdown procedures of Benfield School were activated today due to an incident within the community.
“As a result of this incident, unknown persons entered the school car park which involved people not connected to the school and who were not looking for or trying to interact with any pupils or staff.
“Following established emergency procedures, the school initiated a lockdown and notified Northumbria Police. We reassure you that, at no point, did any intruder access the school building.
“We remain in close contact with the police and will continue to assess the situation to ensure everyone’s safety and security.”
Less than an hour later, the school returned to social media to announce the internal lockdown had been lifted, after receiving advice from Northumbria Police. They added: “I want to update you all that on the advice of the Northumbria Police, we have released the internal lockdown at Benfield School.
“The safety of our pupils and staff remains our top priority and we are grateful for your support and assistance in following our emergency protocols. We want to acknowledge that this was an undoubtedly emotional and stressful time for everyone involved. We acted swiftly and decisively to protect everyone in the school during this event, which involved people not connected to the school encroaching the school car park. We would like to assure all parents and carers that there was no breach of security into the school building during the incident.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all parents and carers for their support in ensuring that the matter was dealt with efficiently and effectively. We will continue to be vigilant and to carefully monitor any activity within our school vicinity.
“If you or any of your children need assistance or support as a result of this event, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.”
Police were outside the school until closing time at 3pm.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a disturbance outside Benfield School on Benfield Road at approximately 11.30am this morning (yesterday). As a precaution, staff and pupils remained indoors, although no threats were made to anyone inside the building.
“There is an increased policing presence in the vicinity of the school to reassure parents and the community.”