A primary school in Solihull was placed into lockdown for nearly an hour after a man was reportedly seen 'chanting about demons' near the premises. The incident occurred at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Primary School on Stratford Road in Shirley at around 3pm on Tuesday, November 11.
West Midlands Police were called to the scene following reports of a man acting suspiciously. The school confirmed that an intruder was spotted in a church car park but did not manage to enter the school grounds. In response, the school activated its safety protocols and secured the building for approximately 45 minutes.
A concerned parent told BirminghamLive that the man attempted to access the school through several routes but was unsuccessful. Staff and some parents confronted him, and the school was locked down with children confined to their classrooms. Police later deemed the area safe, allowing parents to collect their children.
One parent praised the school's response, stating that the safety protocols were excellent and managed expertly. The school issued a letter to parents clarifying that no child was at risk and that security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with the police.
A police spokesperson confirmed that officers searched the area but the man had left. No arrests have been made, and the neighbourhood team will increase patrols. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting log 3202 of November 11.
