Primary school in lockdown after reports of 'masked man'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A primary school is in lockdown this afternoon amid reports of a masked man being hunted by police. Parents with children at Tyldesley Primary School, in Tyldesley, Wigan, were alerted with a message at around lunchtime on Thursday.

They have been told there is no access to the site as it's currently secured and that phone lines are being kept free for emergency calls. READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community The message says: "Just to make you all aware, Tyldesley Primary school is on an internal lockdown. "There have been reports that there is a masked man in the area. "The school have contacted police who are in attendance at the front of school and are searching the entire estate, including a helicopter search. "The children are completely unaware of any event and are all safe. "We are unable to answer any phone calls at this time as the lines are being kept free for contact with emergency services. "As the school is secured at this time, there is no access to the school site. "We will update you as soon as we are able but please be assured that all of the children are fine, unaware and their safety is our upmost priority." An update has since been added to say that the lockdown remains in place and children will be staying in school until the end of the day.

It says: "Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding, and giving us the time to focus allow us to deal with the incident effectively, with the children's safety being our priority. "There is a high police presence on the estate, and on the school grounds as a matter of precaution.

The risk in the local has significantly reduced but, as a precaution and to ensure that the school site remains completely secure,