Schools placed in lockdown after man with machete found outside

Stoneydelph Primary confirmed it had instigated its procedure for dealing with an incident of this nature.

It is understood that several other schools in the area have been placed into lockdown, including Three Peaks Primary Academy.

Staffordshire Police confirmed officers have arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

A police spokeswoman stated: "We were called at 8.43am to reports of a man with a machete on Silver Link Road and Crowden Road. No one was reported injured.

"Local officers, together with firearms officers and the National Police Air Service helicopter, were in the area searching for the man.

"A 34-year-old man, from Glascote, Tamworth, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. A machete has been recovered. Local schools have been updated."

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A spokesperson for Stoneydelph Primary said: "At the start of the school day, we received a concerning report involving an unknown man in the vicinity of the school.

"Police were quick to respond and, following their advice and school policy, we entered into a lockdown which is known to, and well-practised by, both children and staff."

Parents of the school have been informed of the incident and kept updated throughout.

The statement added: "All children and staff were kept safe as a priority.

"We are proud of the way our school community responded to the emergency; our children and staff were exemplary, and parents were fully supportive."

Staffordshire Police confirmed that local officers will be in the area offering reassurance.

The force said: "We are asking witnesses or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to get in touch.

"Call 101, quoting incident 142 of June 4, or use Live Chat on our website."