Two 18-year-old men have been arrested after two schools and a nursery were placed into lockdown on Tuesday afternoon following reports of an armed individual in the vicinity. Officers were called to Bell Farm Way in Hersham at 3pm after reports emerged of a person carrying a weapon at the location. Given the nature of the threat, armed officers were among those deployed to the scene, with road closures enforced along Bell Farm Way.
Rapid Police Response and Arrests
Officers arrived within eight minutes of the 999 call, and two 18-year-old men were detained and arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. Both remain in police custody. Three Rivers Academy initiated a temporary lockdown as a precautionary measure to protect staff and pupils while officers conducted their preliminary enquiries. The lockdown has since been lifted and students have been permitted to return home.
Nearby Schools Also Affected
Police confirmed that Three Rivers Primary School and Toad Hall Nursery also placed themselves into lockdown following communication with Three Rivers Academy. Both sites have since stood down and staff and children have departed, reports the Daily Star. Elmbridge Borough Commander Inspector Chris Thoday said: "We take any report of this nature extremely seriously and had officers at the scene within minutes. The school and other education facilities nearby also quickly instigated their well-prepared safeguarding plans to ensure the safety of pupils and staff."
Community Reassurance and Investigation
Inspector Thoday added: "We fully understand how concerning incidents like this are for our community and our investigation into the circumstances continues. Anyone with information which could assist us is asked to contact police if they have not already been spoken to."
