Preston primary school goes into lockdown as police arrest man acting suspiciously on school grounds
A man in his 30s remains in custody...
A primary school in Preston was placed in lockdown this morning after reports of a man acting suspiciously on school grounds.
Lancashire Police were alerted to the incident at Lea Community Primary School in Greavestown Lane, off Blackpool Road, shortly after 9am and officers swiftly made their way to the scene.
A search was launched and a man in his 30s was arrested in the local area on suspicion of public order offences and causing a public nuisance.
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Police statement
A police spokesperson said: “We were called at just after 9am today (Tuesday, September 8) to a report of a man trying to gain access to Lea Primary School on Greavestown Lane.
“Officers attended and shortly afterwards a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of public order and causing a public nuisance. He is currently in custody.
“No access was gained to the school.
“Enquiries are ongoing and officers will remain at the school as reassurance, although there is no ongoing or wider threat.”
The force said officers are continuing to make enquiries and will remain at the school throughout Tuesday to provide reassurance patrols.
Police to remain at school all week
Parents and carers have been informed of the incident and the school says all children are “happy and safe”.
However, a police presence will remain around the school for the rest of the week and the local community has been urged to “remain vigilant” and report any suspicious activity.
In a statement today, the school said: “Thank you to those parents who vigilantly reported to school a trespasser on school grounds this morning.
“We immediately followed our lock down procedures and the advice from the police.
“The police swiftly attended and a male was arrested within the local area. The children are unaware of the incident and are all happy and safe.
“The police have been extremely supportive of school and have advised, as a precautionary measure, that there will be some police and PCSO presence around school for the rest of the week. Please be reassured that this is just a precaution.
“While there will be a presence around school, the police are asking that parents and the local community remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity straight to the school during school hours, and outside of the school day directly to the police via 999.”