Coventry school will be closed tomorrow after man seen acting suspiciously outside gates

Whitmore Park School in Halford Lane will be closed after 'review of risk assessment for polling day'



A Coventry junior school will be closed tomorrow after a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the school gates this morning.

Coventry Police attended Whitmore Park School in Halford Lane at around 9.40am after receiving reports of a man acting suspiciously outside.

They searched the area and did not find anyone but have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Parents were subsequently informed that “an incident” had taken place and that the school would be closed tomorrow (Thursday).

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously outside Whitmore Park School, Halford Lane, Coventry at around 9.40am this morning.

“Officers attended and a conducted a search of the area but no one was found.

“Local officers have been carrying out further patrols in the area and we would urge anyone who has any information which may be relevant to call us on 101.”

In a tweet posted this afternoon Whitmore Park School said: “Due to an incident outside of school we have reviewed the risk assessment for polling day and have decided to close.”

A number of parents contacted the Telegraph to air their concerns but said they had been told little.

One said: “Parents have been informed of the school closure tomorrow and the incident but we have no idea what the incident actually was. I know police were present and also dog units.”

Another said: “We have been told school is closed tomorrow due to a police incident today. We also know that the school went into lock-down today but haven’t been told why.”

The West Midlands Police spokesman urged parents with children at the school not to be “unduly alarmed”.

They added: “We appreciate that reports involving the safety of youngsters can be an emotive subject.

“However, we don’t want people to be unduly alarmed as the vast majority of these reports ultimately are found to be innocent and borne out of people simply having the best interests of children at heart.

“All incidents reported to us are taken seriously and will be looked into.

“We would always encourage people to report any activity or behaviour they deem suspicious.”

Anyone with information on the Whitmore Park School incident should call Coventry Police on 101.

I thought all schools were closed tomorrow anyway?

Three Coventry schools now closed after security alert

Hollyfast Primary School in Hollyfast Road posted on a letter on their website signed by the Hollyfast Governing Body.

It said: "We regret to inform you that the Governing Body have taken the decision to close Hollyfast tomorrow which is Thursday 8th June 2017. This will affect all classes from Pre-school to Year 6.

"Several incidents in the area have been reported to the police in recent days. As Hollyfast is being used as a Polling Station tomorrow, we have urgently reviewed the risk assessment for the safeguarding of our pupils.

"We feel that the additional footfall caused by the General Election may present a level of risk which would be greater than on a standard school day.

"Safeguarding of pupils, staff and parents is always a priority for us and whilst we apologise for the disruption this very late decision may cause, we feel sure that you will support our action."

Keresley Grange Primary School is also closed today following the incident.

The school, in Waste Lane, posted a letter on their website saying the closure will affect all classes from Reception to Year 6.

Their letter said: "There was a minor incident outside our school this morning before 8.30am and we have since heard that there was a similar incident later in the morning outside another local school.

"As Keresley Grange is being used as a Polling Station tomorrow, we have reviewed the risk assessment for the safeguarding of our pupils and unfortunately we feel the site is vulnerable.

"Safeguarding of pupils, staff and parents is our priority and we apologise for the disruption this very late decision will cause."

No details have been given as to what the suspicious behaviour was.