A primary school went into lockdown in Manchester after reports of a man in a stab vest carrying a firearm.
Police were called to the school in Dukinfield after receiving calls about a man outside with a gun. The pupils at Yew Tree Lane community primary school were kept inside while police tried to locate him.
A 30-year-old man has been detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act, but no firearm has yet been found. Police remained at the scene and a Tameside council spokeswoman said all the youngsters were safe.
One parent, whose children attend the school, said he heard the incident started after a row about a pupil.
A man wearing a stab vest and carrying a weapon was then reportedly seen approaching the school just after 9am.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester police said: “Police were called shortly after 8.45am on Friday 3 February, to a number of reports of a man acting suspiciously on Yew Tree Lane, Dukinfield.
“Armed response officers attended due to reports that the man had a firearm. The man has been detained and police remain at the school. A firearm has not been located.”
Police with sniffer dogs were seen patrolling the local area, looking in cars and shops.
The school sent an emergency text to parents, saying: “Just to inform you there has been an incident on site today involving the police.
“The school followed the correct procedures and went into lockdown. All children and staff are safe. Please do not worry.”
A large congregation of concerned parents gathered outside the school gates. Parent Jeffrey Hodson, 37, who has two children at the school, told the Manchester Evening News: “I’m not too worried now that it is all over.
“If we had been informed there was a guy running around and the police were not there I would have been worried. I know my children are safe now.”
