A school in North Shields went into lockdown after a man was reportedly seen carrying a suspected weapon at a bus stop. John Spence Community High School took the precautionary measure on Monday afternoon following reports of suspicious activity on Preston Road North.
Northumbria Police received a report just after 2.15pm regarding a male at a bus stop thought to be carrying a suspected weapon. Officers attended the scene to conduct enquiries, but the individual had already left the area.
Police did not instruct any schools to go into lockdown, but some, including John Spence, voluntarily implemented the measure, which ended shortly afterwards. Officers remained in the area to reassure the community.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: 'Shortly after 2.15pm today, we received a report of suspicious activity on Preston Road North in North Shields. It is understood a male who was sighted at a bus stop on the road was thought to be carrying a suspected weapon. Officers attended to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance, however the person in question had left the area.'
The spokesperson added: 'A decision was made by some of the schools in the nearby area to go into a voluntary lockdown for precautionary measures which ended a short time later. Enquiries remain ongoing, and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak with an officer on duty.'
