A school was placed into lockdown after it was reported people were carrying weapons in the street.
Lancashire Police said there had been reports of people in Skelmersdale carrying weapons in the street on Monday (December 5), with police powers to stop and search people triggered as a result. Staff at Skelmersdale's St Richard's Catholic Primary School, on Sandy Lane said police had asked them to keep pupils inside during an incident earlier in the day, LancsLive reports.
Acting headteacher, Jennifer Jackson, said: "There was an incident outside the school grounds during lunchtime yesterday which had nothing to do with the school, however the police asked us to keep all children inside the school building until it had been dealt with. We have a well-established drill for such incidents and we are very proud of how calmly the children handled the situation – they were not informed about the incident while it was ongoing and thought it was a normal drill, however we did send an email to parents to let them know what had happened."
READ MORE: Murder accused was intended target when 16-year-old was stabbed to death
Officers set up a dispersal zone inside Grimshaw Road, Stannanought Road, Houghtons Road and Glenburn Road. On Tuesday, December 6, officers confirmed they have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted wounding. He remains in custody.
Updating people living in the area on Facebook, Skelmersdale Police said: "You will have seen on Monday night that a search authority and dispersal order were put in place in the Tanhouse area of Skelmersdale following reports of people carrying weapons and incidents of disorder.
"To update you, we have today arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted wounding. He is now in custody. We will not tolerate incidents of anti-social and threatening behaviour in Skelmersdale.
"This arrest shows that we are actively tackling these incidents. We will have extra patrols and officers in the area for your reassurance and to ensure any reports of this nature are thoroughly investigated.
"Members of the public are welcome to approach and speak with the officers on patrol if they have any concerns or information about last night’s incidents."
READ NEXT
Gang of men fight with baseball bats outside abandoned nightclub
Live updates as motorway crash causes hour delays and miles of traffic
DWP PIP could pay people with these respiratory conditions up to £156 each week
'Fit' dad who fought for GP appointment diagnosed with rare cancer
