Two 18-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after two schools and a nursery were placed into lockdown on Tuesday afternoon. Police were alerted to an incident on Bell Farm Way in Hersham at 3pm after reports of a person carrying a weapon at the location. Armed officers were deployed alongside other emergency responders, and road closures were implemented along Bell Farm Way.
Police response and arrests
Officers arrived within eight minutes of the 999 call, and both 18-year-old men were detained and arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. They remain in police custody. Three Rivers Academy initiated a temporary lockdown as a precautionary measure to protect staff and pupils while officers conducted preliminary enquiries. The lockdown has since been lifted and students have been permitted to return home.
Other schools affected
Police confirmed that Three Rivers Primary School and Toad Hall Nursery also entered lockdown following communication with Three Rivers Academy. Both sites have since stood down and staff and children have been allowed to leave. 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 is asked to contact police.
