A wave of panic swept through a community near Oldham after false social media rumours claimed a pupil was brandishing a knife at Saddleworth School.
Weekend of Misinformation
Over the weekend, unsubstantiated posts began circulating online, alleging a young male was 'running about with a knife' at Saddleworth School in Diggle. This misinformation quickly reached parents, causing significant alarm and concern for student safety.
In response to the growing anxiety, Greater Manchester Police attended the school to investigate the claims. After a swift review, authorities conclusively determined there was 'no threat to the school or the wider community'.
Parental Panic and School Response
Before the police and school could officially dispel the rumours, several worried parents took action. One mother described the fear that led her and others to instruct their children to leave school and come home immediately.
The school's headteacher, Mike Anderson, addressed the situation directly. He stated that all reports had been 'promptly reviewed by senior staff and referred to the police', with enquiries finding 'no evidence' to support the alarming claims.
Mr Anderson confirmed that, as a precaution, standard safeguarding measures were implemented during the review, but the school operated normally throughout the day without any incident.
A Lesson in Social Media Dangers
Headteacher Mike Anderson described the event as a stark reminder of how rapidly false information can spread on digital platforms. He expressed appreciation for the community's concern but emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of students remains the school's paramount priority.
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police reiterated the findings, confirming officers had established the incident was a rumour that caused concern but posed no actual danger.
