Schools in the Black Country were placed on lockdown as police conducted a search for a suspicious man, authorities confirmed.
Incident in Willenhall
Multiple officers were deployed to the Willenhall area of Walsall following online reports of a man acting suspiciously on the afternoon of Thursday, June 4. Several schools were advised to keep children on site while police searched the vicinity. Among those reportedly affected were Fibbersley Park Academy and Pool Hayes Academy.
Police Unable to Locate Suspect
Despite a thorough search, police were unable to find the man. Schools were later informed that it was no longer necessary to keep children on site. West Midlands Police stated: "We have had a number of officers in the Willenhall area of Walsall this afternoon following reports of a man acting suspiciously."
Ongoing Presence and Public Appeal
Police will maintain a visible presence in the area into the evening as inquiries continue to identify the man. The force urged the public not to call about the same social media posts but to provide any additional information. In a statement released shortly before 4pm, police said: "We have been speaking to the local community and as a precaution we advised schools in the area to keep children while the area was searched. Our officers have carried out a thorough search of the area, but have been unable to find the man. As a result, we have now advised schools that it was no longer necessary to keep children on site. We are aware of a number of social media posts, and would ask the public not to call us if they have seen the same posts. We will have a visible presence in the area into this evening, and enquiries to identify the man continue. Anyone with information should get in touch, quoting log 3237."
