A 46-year-old man has been arrested after Earl Spencer Primary School in Northampton was placed into lockdown on Wednesday morning following a suspicious phone call from someone making threats.
The incident took place just after 11.15am on September 23, when the school on Streatfield Road received the call. As a precaution, the school implemented its lockdown procedures to ensure the safety of pupils and staff, and contacted police to report the incident.
Arrest made on suspicion of malicious communications
Northamptonshire Police launched an investigation, and a 46-year-old man from London was arrested on Wednesday night by officers from another police force area on suspicion of malicious communications. He remains in police custody.
Chief Inspector Nic Davis-Lyons said: “We hope that the arrest made this evening will provide reassurance to pupils, parents and school staff, as well as the wider community.
“Any threat made against a school is taken extremely seriously by Northamptonshire Police and officers have been working closely with the school since this incident was reported to investigate the circumstances and identify a suspect.
School praised for safeguarding procedures
“We would like to thank the school for the excellent safeguarding procedures it implemented today and for the clear priority it placed on keeping its pupils and staff safe.
“Local neighbourhood policing officers will continue to have a presence at the school over the coming days for reassurance purposes, and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to speak to one of these officers who will be happy to help.
“I would also like to thank parents, school staff and our partner agencies for their patience and support today. It is much appreciated.”
In an unrelated incident, St James Primary School in Northampton was also placed into an emergency lockdown after a man was seen with a firearm, which later turned out to be a toy gun.
