A Newcastle pre-school was placed into lockdown on Tuesday morning after a man was spotted nearby carrying a suspected weapon. The incident occurred at Little Learners NE pre-school, located at The Blakelaw Centre on Binswood Avenue.
Northumbria Police confirmed that officers were called just after 9am to reports of suspicious activity. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and remains in police custody. The force stated that the suspect did not attempt to enter the pre-school, and no threats were made to any children.
The pre-school implemented a voluntary lockdown as a precautionary measure. A parent of a child at the nursery said staff were alerted by concerned parents after the man was seen acting suspiciously. Officers remained in the area for several hours to conduct extra patrols and provide reassurance to the public.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them via social media, their website, or by calling 101, quoting reference number NP-20260303-0264.
