SCHOOLS in Leeds have been put on lockdown after a “credible threat” sparked fear.
Parents and students have been told multiple schools are in “soft lockdown” a day after “threatening emails” were sent to teachers.
So far schools in Hunslett Carr and Rothwell have been issued the warning[/caption]
Some schools have undergone “soft invacuation” which means pupils are kept inside all day with gates, doors and windows closed.
It has been reported threats included violence to students and staff.
An email sent to parents at Sharp Lane Primary School read: “Following information from police about a credible threat to all schools in Leeds, Sharp Land Primary School has implemented a ‘soft invacuation’.
“This means that all children will be kept indoors for the full day. All gates remain closed and locked as usual and doors and windows within school will remain closed all day also.
“We have no further information regarding the threat at this time but please be reassured that Sharp Lane Primary School has not received a direct threat, and the children and staff are safe.
“Can we please ask that visits to school today are restricted to urgent matters only?
“Please can we ask you to be vigilant when picking up your children at the end of their school day, and if you have any concerns about any individuals acting suspiciously near school please inform school immediately and call 999.”
Gildersome Primary School posted on social media: “Some parents may be aware of a threat that has been made to some Leeds schools this morning.
“To reassure you, staff are being extra vigilant and we are following our normal safeguarding procedures to ensure the school site is secure.
“If there is any update or changes we will contact all parents and carers.
“Please do not call School at this time except in an emergency as we need to keep the phone lines clear.”
There have been alerts that an individual may try to gain access to schools.
It has been reported some parents have already pulled their children out of school amid the warnings.
Hunslett Carr Primary School did not receive a threat but have increased their security measures as precaution.
It is understood the threat has been reported to the police who are treating it as credible.
Richmond Hill Academy and Ruth Gorse Academy have also been warned the “credible threat” could affect them.
It comes after a number of schools in Cheshire, Liverpool and Manchester were sent “threatening” emails with at least one put on lockdown.
Police said they were informed of an email sent on Tuesday at around 10.05am.
Lache Primary School, in Chester, then went into lockdown.
The force added that the email “made threats to pupils and staff” and an investigation has been launched.
September 14, 2023 at 05:14PM
from The Sun