READING - A major security alert unfolded at Reading College on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a massive armed police response and sending shockwaves through the educational community.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they received multiple emergency calls shortly after 2:30 PM reporting a young male seen with what appeared to be a firearm within the college premises. The immediate response saw specialist firearms officers descending upon the King's Road campus, with witnesses describing a "tense and frightening" atmosphere.
Campus Lockdown and Evacuation
College authorities swiftly implemented emergency protocols, placing the institution on lockdown while police established a substantial cordon around the building. Students and staff were instructed to remain in secure locations as armed officers conducted thorough searches of the premises.
"We could see armed police everywhere from the windows," one student recounted. "They had us stay put in classrooms while they cleared the building section by section. It was terrifying not knowing what was happening."
Swift Resolution and Arrest
Within hours, police confirmed they had detained a teenage boy in connection with the incident. Authorities later revealed that the suspected firearm was determined to be an imitation weapon, though the exact nature of the device remains under investigation.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson stated: "We responded to reports of a male in possession of what was believed to be a firearm at Reading College. A boy has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm and remains in police custody."
College Returns to Normalcy
By late afternoon, police confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety, and the college gradually resumed normal operations. College management praised the "swift and professional" response of both their staff and emergency services.
In a statement to parents and students, college officials emphasized that student welfare remains their "highest priority" and that counselling support would be available for those affected by the day's events.
The incident highlights growing concerns about campus security across UK educational institutions, with this being the second major police operation at a Reading college in recent years.
