Police ordered South Bristol schools to go into ‘strict lockdown’ after reports of man carrying weapon

Schools across the Withywood and Hartcliffe area were advised to go into ‘strict lockdown’ by police following reports of a man carrying a weapon in the area.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the request was made around 12.20pm yesterday (October 18) before armed officers searched the area though the reported man was not found.

Parents from Hareclive Academy, on Moxham Drive, received an email from the school telling them it was to go into ‘strict lockdown’, unable to answer calls until permission was granted by police.

An email read: “Due to circumstances out of our control, a potential risk in the local community has been identified and the academy has been advised to go into strict lockdown until further notice.

“This means that pupils and staff within the academy building are not permitted to leave until we are informed it is safe to do so. We are also unable to answer the telephones in the academy, so please refrain from calling the academy until further notice.

“Please note, this risk is not within the academy, but as we have a duty of care to our staff and pupils, safeguarding is our main priority whilst the police deal with the incident.”

A follow-up email was sent to confirm the police had conducted searches and deemed it safe for people to leave and enter the building again.

Other schools in the area sent out similar alerts to parents.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Officers requested local schools in the Withywood area kept students inside for a short period of time on Tuesday (October 18) following reports of a man carrying a weapon in the vicinity of the schools.

“Armed officers attended Bishport Avenue, Withywood, Bristol, at around 12.20pm due to reports of a weapon. They conducted a thorough area tour and no one was found.

“It was a call with good intent and schools were advised of the outcome. Reassurance patrols have remained in the area.”