Two men, both aged 18, have been arrested after two schools and a nursery were placed into lockdown on Tuesday afternoon, following reports of an individual carrying a weapon in the vicinity.
Police were called to Bell Farm Way in Hersham at 3pm after receiving reports of an armed person at the location. Given the nature of the reports, armed officers were amongst those deployed to the scene, and road closures were established along Bell Farm Way.
Officers arrived within eight minutes of the 999 call, and the two 18-year-old men were detained and arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. Both remain in police custody.
Lockdowns Lifted
Three Rivers Academy initiated a temporary lockdown procedure as a precautionary measure to protect staff and pupils while officers conducted their preliminary enquiries. The lockdown has since been lifted and students have been permitted to return home.
Police confirmed that Three Rivers Primary School and Toad Hall Nursery also placed themselves into lockdown following communication with Three Rivers Academy. These measures have likewise been lifted and staff and children have departed both sites.
Police Response
Elmbridge Borough Commander Inspector Chris Thoday said: "We take any report of this nature extremely seriously and had officers at the scene within minutes."
"The school and other education facilities nearby also quickly instigated their well-prepared safeguarding plans to ensure the safety of pupils and staff."
"We fully understand how concerning incidents like this are for our community and our investigation into the circumstances continues."
"Anyone with information which could assist us is asked to contact police if they have not already been spoken to."
