A Hartlepool primary school was thrown into lockdown on Monday morning (November 17) after a man brandishing what appeared to be an ‘air rifle’ was spotted in the vicinity.
Cleveland Police have now released CCTV footage of a man they’re desperate to trace following the alarming incident on Eskdale Road.
As youngsters were making their way to Eskdale Academy, a man was caught on camera in the street wielding what looked like an air rifle at approximately 8.55am.
According to officers, the individual momentarily aimed the weapon skyward before carrying on his journey down the road.
The headteacher at Eskdale Academy swiftly enacted lockdown protocols as a safety precaution to protect the pupils, reports Teesside Live.
Armed response units rushed to the scene whilst a drone was deployed in an attempt to track down the suspect.
The man had vanished from the area by the time officers arrived, prompting police to circulate CCTV images as the hunt continues.
Chief Inspector Nick See, of Hartlepool Police said: “Understandably, this incident will cause some concern for local residents and parents of pupils in the school.
“We currently have a police presence in the area with officers carrying out reassurance patrols, as well as officers conducting CCTV enquiries to try to establish exactly where the man went. We are working closely with the school to ensure that the children are safe at all times and commend the teaching staff for their swift safety action following the incident.
“Officers will be in the area at school pick up time this afternoon and at drop off time in the morning. Anyone with concerns can raise these with the officers on the ground.”
Those with any information about the man or footage of the incident are urged to ring 101, or visit https://www.cleveland.police.uk/
A spokesperson for Eskdale Academy stated: “Eskdale Academy was placed in lockdown during the morning after receiving information from the police relating to a community-based issue. The school’s lockdown procedure was immediately instigated.
“After receiving further information from the police, school was moved out of lockdown and resumed the normal school day. The school has worked closely with the police and community to ensure that all children were supported through this lockdown and will continue to ensure that the safeguarding of pupils and staff remains our priority.”
It is believed that senior staff have penned letters to parents.
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