Several schools in a UK town were put on lockdown due to reports of an individual carrying a firearm. The incident occurred in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, prompting a police response after receiving information about a suspicious person with a gun in the town center around 3:15 pm. Local schools, including Byrchall High School, Cansfield, and St Oswald’s RC Primary, implemented safety procedures, keeping students indoors. Nearby shops were also temporarily closed as a precaution.
A parent whose child attended one of the affected schools mentioned that access to the school was restricted, with students taking cover inside while law enforcement handled the situation. At Byrchall High School, a message was sent to parents and caregivers informing them of the lockdown, reassuring them that all students were safe and under staff supervision. The school advised that due to the ongoing incident, phone calls could not be answered at that time.
According to a spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police, armed officers were dispatched to Gerard Street following the reports of a potential firearms sighting. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and after conducting searches, no firearms were found on two individuals stopped in the area. The situation was handled with a visible police presence and neighborhood patrols to ensure public safety.