A number of schools in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, were placed into lockdown on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a man carrying a firearm in the town centre. Greater Manchester Police were called to Gerard Street at around 3.15pm after a suspicious male was sighted with what appeared to be a gun.
Among the schools that implemented emergency safety procedures were Byrchall High School, Cansfield, and St Oswald’s RC Primary. Pupils were kept inside buildings, and a parent told the Manchester Evening News that “nobody could get near the school” with students “hiding inside” amid the large police response.
Local shops near the scene also temporarily closed. Byrchall High School sent a message to parents stating that all students still in school were safe and supervised by staff, and that the phone line would not be manned until further notice.
A police spokesperson confirmed that armed officers were deployed and conducted a high-visibility patrol. Two men were stopped and searched, but no firearms were located. No injuries have been reported.
