A security incident in Croydon prompted a major police response, with pupils at two schools told to stay in their classrooms after reports of someone carrying a bladed weapon in the area.
Students at John Ruskin College in Croydon and nearby Quest Academy were placed on lockdown following reports that a person, believed to be a teenager, had been seen with a blade.
Parents share lockdown messages
Parents shared on social media that their children had contacted them to say they were unable to leave the school buildings, with some mentioning that a machete may have been involved.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers attended a college on Selsdon Park Road at 5.08pm.
Police statement
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Around 5:08pm, officers attended a college in Selsdon Park Road, Croydon, following reports that a person had been seen with a bladed weapon.
"Police attended, but, by the time they arrived, the suspect had left the scene. No arrests have been made, and officers are seeking to locate the suspect, who is believed to be a teenager.
"No injuries were reported, and the college was temporarily placed on lockdown while officers made enquiries. This has now been lifted."
Quest Academy confirms precautionary lockdown
Quest Academy confirmed it also went into lockdown as a precaution during the incident. A spokesperson for the academy said: "Pupils were allowed to leave as soon as the school was given the all-clear."
