A school was forced into lockdown following reports of a man armed with a gun in the playground.
Armed police were immediately dispatched to Nansen Primary School in Saltley, Birmingham following the alert at 2.40pm yesterday.
A police helicopter was also hovering over the school as staff advised parents not to pick up their children until 3.30pm – when it was ‘safe to do so’, Birmingham Mail reports.
Thankfully nobody was hurt and no gun carrying man found.
Four boys, aged 12, were detained from a nearby park after being found with two smashed-up BB guns, police said.
A text sent to parents sent during the lockdown read: “The school is currently in partial lockdown as a pre-cautionary measure, as advised by the police.
“Please do not come to school until we get further notice from the police that it is safe to do so. Please be reassured that the children are safe.”
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The school was forced into lockdown yesterday (Image: BirminghamLive/ WS)
Ten minutes later another text read: “UPDATE – Dear parents, the police have checked the school site and surrounding areas.
“They have advised the school to come out of partial lockdown as it is safe to do so.
“Please collect your children at 3.30pm.”
The 12-year-old BB gun carrying boys were escorted home by officers who spoke to their parents.
The force added they will be speaking to them again when enquiries are complete.
A statement from West Midlands Police read: “We were called Nansen Junior and Infant school, Naseby Road in Washwood Heath after people reported seeing a man with a gun in the playground.
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“All pupils and staff are safe; no one is injured.
“Four 12-year-old boys were detained at a nearby park and found in possession of two BB guns that had been smashed up.
“Officers escorted the children home and spoke to their parents; we will be speaking to them again once enquiries are complete to determine the best way to proceed.
“We were called just before 2.40pm today (Monday 12 July) and immediately sent firearms officers who were supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter.
“This will have been really frightening for everyone at the school but staff did a great job in keeping everyone safe.”
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