Boy, 12, arrested 'on suspicion of affray' after Staffordshire school lockdown

Chase Terrace Academy, in Bridge Cross Road, Burntwood, was placed into lockdown at 12pm on Tuesday after an ex-pupil entered the site and later refused to leave.

The lockdown action was implemented after a former pupil of the school entered the grounds, with the school quickly going into lockdown soon after. 

Staffordshire Police have now said that a 12-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of affray after attending the school to reports of a disturbance. 

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "We were called shortly before 12 noon to Bridge Cross Road in Burntwood following reports of a disturbance. 

"A local school had informed us of concerns relating to one student making threats to another student.

"No one was reported injured. Officers attended and a 12-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray. He remains in police custody while inquiries continue."

Lockdown

Headteacher at the Staffordshire school, Nicola Mason, said that the lockdown procedure was a 'precaution' and was put into place to 'ensure staff were able to keep students in classrooms' and 'that students were absolutely safe'.

In a letter, sent to parents, the headteacher said: "As a precaution, a lockdown procedure was initiated to ensure that staff were able to keep students in classrooms and be absolutely sure that students were safe should the incident escalate.

"At no point were any students at risk, and the situation was contained within the main reception. Police attended quickly and removed the ex-student who is no longer in the local area.

"As a parent myself I completely understand the stress and worry that such procedures bring."

School response

Following the incident, Ms Mason thanked the parents and carers of the school for their support, and Staffordshire Police for their quick response. 

The headteacher said: "We have sent out a communication to parents/carers and are thankful for the support of Staffordshire Police who attended the scene quickly to enable us to maintain the safety of all children and staff in school. 

"Our school community were a real credit in dealing with a very stressful situation."

Similar incident

The incident is the second to take place in the last week resulting in a school lockdown, with East Park Academy, in Hollington Road, Wolverhampton, also being placed in a 'precautionary lockdown' following an 'incident' nearby. 

Alan Rogers, headteacher at the school said that none of its pupils were involved in the incident, with the lockdown being the result of police advice. 

The headteacher said: "Following a local community incident yesterday afternoon, the school initiated a precautionary lockdown on police advice. 

"No East Park pupils were involved, and they remained safe throughout. We greatly appreciate our parents and families' patience and support in remaining calm and helping ensure a swift resolution."