School locked down over threats to pupils

Image source, Google

Image caption, Pupils were finally allowed to leave St Hild's in Hartlepool at about 17:00 GMT.
  • Author, Joanna Morris
  • Role, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ News

A school was locked down after threats were made to pupils.

St Hild's Church of England School in Hartlepool kept children behind closed doors after two boys were threatened by a former student on Monday.

The youngsters were allowed to leave at about 17:00 GMT, and a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said the force's presence throughout the lockdown was a precautionary measure.

A 16-year-old has been arrested as part of the police investigation.

A spokesman for the school thanked parents and carers for "unwavering support" and said St Hild's had diligently followed "established safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing" of pupils.

As the lockdown was in process, the spokesman said all children were safe and well, adding that threat occurred "out in the community, not in the school".

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