Local reports state that police were called to the school in Hereford following reports of a man with a weapon seen nearby before it was due to close for the day
A school in Hereford is on lockdown, leaving children and parents trapped inside after a man with a weapon was spotted outside.
West Mercia Police are currently responding to an incident near Holmer School, with officers responding to reports of an armed man seen walking by before it was due to close. The decision to place the school on lockdown has left children and their parents trapped inside its grounds while a significant police presence descends on the area.
A police helicopter was also seen encircling the area, with the incident unfolding ahead of a concert in which children were due to participate tonight. The incident was reported at around 3pm, and parents were kept inside with their children for an hour before they were allowed to leave at 4.10pm.
Police have since confirmed that no arrests have been made since they were called to the incident earlier this afternoon. A West Mercia Police spokesperson said in a statement to Your Hereford officers were called to the scene “following a report that a man was in possession of what was believed to be a knife.
They added that searches and enquiries were carried out in the area, but that no one was located. The spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Holmer Road in Hereford at around 3.10pm today, following a report that a man was in possession of what was believed to be a knife. Searches and enquiries in the area have been carried out and no one has been located.
“No threats were made to any members of the public. Police will remain in the area and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.”