A school in the East Riding of Yorkshire went into a state of emergency earlier today.
According to parents who spoke to Yorkshire Live, students and staff at Howden School resorted to fortifying doors with metal bars and barricading themselves inside classrooms using tables and chairs.
One parent reported that the school went on lockdown due to a reported gunman on the premises, leading to the implementation of safety measures, including securing classrooms with a metal bar to lock the doors.
The school has since confirmed on its official website that a brief lockdown was initiated as a precautionary measure. Subsequent assessments by authorities revealed that there was no actual threat present.
In an official statement, the school mentioned, “This morning, a lockdown was briefly in effect. Our established lockdown protocols were meticulously followed. After a thorough evaluation by the authorities, it was determined that there was no credible threat, and the situation was deemed a false alarm.”
The statement further added, “Our lockdown procedures were implemented swiftly and calmly, ensuring constant supervision of our students. We understand the unsettling nature of such incidents and want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our school community are our top priorities.”
“We will be closely monitoring all students, and should you believe your child requires additional support, please feel free to reach out to us.”