Schools plunged into lockdown as armed cops hunt ‘man with machete’ roaming streets – as suspect, 34, arrested
MULTIPLE schools were placed in lockdown after a 34-year-old man “armed with a machete” was arrested by police.
Cops scrambled to the scene as chaos descended in the Stonydelph area of Tamworth, Staffordshire, just before 9am today.
Armed officers were summoned to the area as a police helicopter was seen whirring overhead.
Reports of a man seen roaming around with a machete in Silver Link Road and Crowden Road sparked chaos in the quiet area.
Officers then arrested a 34-year-old man, from Glascote, on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, said Staffordshire Police.
A machete was also recovered at the scene, said the force.
Schools were placed in lockdown, with Stoneydelph Primary confirming it swiftly instigated procedure.
It is understood that several other schools in the area were placed into lockdown, including Three Peaks Primary Academy.
A spokeswoman for Stonydelph Primary said: “At the start of the school day, we received a concerning report involving an unknown man in the vicinity of the school.
“Police were quick to respond and following their advice and school policy, we entered into a lockdown which is known to, and well-practised by, both children and staff.”
Parents of the school have been informed of the incident and kept updated throughout.
Cops said there were no injuries and that local schools had been updated.
A Staffordshire Police spokeswoman stated: “We were called at 8.43am to reports of a man with a machete on Silver Link Road and Crowden Road. No one was reported injured.
“Local officers, together with firearms officers and the National Police Air Service helicopter, were in the area searching for the man.
“A 34-year-old man, from Glascote, Tamworth, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
“A machete has been recovered. Local schools have been updated.”
The statement continued: “Local officers will be in the area offering reassurance.
“We are asking witnesses or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to get in touch. Call 101, quoting incident 142 of 4 June, or use Live Chat on our website.
“To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”