Pupils were held back at a Sutton Coldfield school in a ‘lockdown’ after a police incident near the site
A school in Sutton Coldfield placed its pupils in lockdown following a police incident near the site.
Students at Plantsbrook School in Upper Holland Road were held at the site at around 3pm on Monday (March 10) just before the school day was about to end after reports of ‘a group of youths wearing balaclavas’.
The school children were held in classrooms, with blinds drawn and the school alarm sounded.
A West Midlands Police van and officers were spotted outside the school in Upper Holland Road.
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The school sent out an alert which said: “Dear Parents, We have been made aware of an incident near the school.
“To ensure the safety of students and staff we are not releasing students from school at this time. Kind regards Plantsbrook School.”
Pupils were held back for around 20 to 25 minutes due to the incident but then released in stages.
A spokesman for Plantsbrook School said: “We thought there may be a safety concern in the local community.
“So with police support we took the decision to delay and stagger the students departure to ease congestion in the local area.
“We appreciate the support of all parents and carers.”
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A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We were called to a school on Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield, following reports a group of youths wearing balaclavas were congregating outside.
“Officers were sent to the scene but on arrival the group had dispersed.
“We will have officers patrolling in the area this evening (Monday, March 10) and over the coming days to offer reassurance.”
Headteacher Kerensa Neal then sent out an email to parents and carers and said: “We just wanted to put on record our thanks and gratitude to all of our students for their impeccable behaviour this afternoon, as we delayed and staggered their departure due to a potential concern in the local community.
“The safety of all of our pupils and staff is paramount, and we are grateful also to West Midlands Police for their ongoing support and advice.
“We remain confident we have robust protocols in place for these scenarios and once again are immensely grateful for your ongoing support. Kind regards.”