UK primary school put in lockdown after ‘suspicious caller makes threats’

A UK primary school was forced into lockdown following a ‘suspicious caller’ who allegedly issued threats.

A 46-year-old man has been arrested after Earl Spencer Primary School in Northampton implemented lockdown procedures in response to the suspicious call on Wednesday.

The incident occurred shortly after 11.15am on September 23 when the primary school on Streatfield Road received the call ‘from someone making threats’.

As a precautionary measure, the school activated its lockdown protocols to safeguard pupils and staff, and immediately contacted police to report the matter, the force confirmed.

Police launched an investigation and a 46-year-old man from London was arrested on Wednesday night by officers from another police force area on suspicion of malicious communications.

He remains in police custody at this time.

Chief Inspector Nic Davis-Lyons said: “We hope that the arrest made this evening will provide reassurance to pupils, parents and school staff, as well as the wider community.

“Any threat made against a school is taken extremely seriously by Northamptonshire Police and officers have been working closely with the school since this incident was reported to investigate the circumstances and identify a suspect.

“We would like to thank the school for the excellent safeguarding procedures it implemented today and for the clear priority it placed on keeping its pupils and staff safe.

“Local neighbourhood policing officers will continue to have a presence at the school over the coming days for reassurance purposes, and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to speak to one of these officers who will be happy to help.

“I would also like to thank parents, school staff and our partner agencies for their patience and support today. It is much appreciated.”

A separate school in Northampton was similarly placed under emergency lockdown in an ‘unrelated incident’ on Wednesday.

The nearby St James Primary School entered lockdown following reports of a man spotted carrying what appeared to be a firearm, which subsequently proved to be a toy gun.