Man threatens garage staff with knife sparking schools lockdown
A man is being hunted by police after threatening staff at a garage with a knife, causing the lockdown of five schools.
The man threatened a member of staff at the garage in Pinfold Street, Wednesbury, at about 1.30pm on Friday and five schools in the Darlaston/Wednesbury area locked themselves down, not allowing anyone in or out of the buildings.
Old Church Primary School in School Street and Pinfold Street School in Pinfold Street Extension were among those closed during the incident.
A spokesman for Old Church Primary School said: "We were made aware of a police incident in the area on Friday and followed our agreed procedure to ensure the safety of pupils and staff."
Parents took to social media to warn others after being informed of the incident by the schools.
Leanne Cooper posted on Facebook on Friday saying: "Warning! Police are searching for a man with a knife in the Darlaston area. Just had a text from Wyn's school, they're on lock down. Please be safe of you're out and about."
Liz Hickman added: "Man in Darlaston area with a knife, the police are searching for him, all schools were on lock down."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "A man armed with a knife threatened a member of staff at a garage on Pinfold Street.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
Police said the schools were contacted by a third party and were locked down as a precaution, and were contacted by the police to say it was safe to open.
If anyone has any information which could help police with their inquiries call 101 quoting incident number 1242 of November 23.
