Woodham Academy head teacher Christine Forsyth has praised the actions of her teachers after Friday’s incident involving two intruders.
Mrs Forsyth says the two suspects entered the school at about 1.10pm but were contained by staff within minutes.
Police were quickly on the scene and the intruders were arrested and taken into custody, where they remained overnight.
Mrs Forsyth told Aycliffe Today: “The incident was contained within minutes thanks to the prompt actions of staff.
“We’re aware of a lot of rumours circulating on social media but these Chinese whispers aren’t helpful.”
As reported on Aycliffe Today on Friday evening, eye witness accounts claimed two males gained access to the school at the end of the lunch hour.
Mrs Forsyth wrote to all parents to reassure them, saying: “The police were called immediately. Safeguarding procedures were initiated, with students being escorted to lessons early, while they were supervised by their teachers.
“The safety of our students remained the focus of all actions that were taken, and I would like to reassure parents/carers that the incident was dealt with in a prompt and very professional manner.”
A police source has confirmed there were no weapons involved and no charges have yet been brought against the thugs, but confirmed investigations were ongoing.
1 Comment
Graeme C. Halloway
January 24, 2015 at 11:22 amIt is disturbing to read this isolated article about this incident in the light of Historic and recent incidents; however is the description ‘Thugs’ (without apparent weapons) appropriate pending a more in depth explanation of the circumstances?
Thankfully, all is well with apparent speedy action by Responsible Staff.
Is it time to take more general action and incarcerate all known aggressors on a secure Island where they can be more adequately monitored and fend for themselves?…Like Australia perhaps where not too long ago one could be shipped there for 10+ years after stealing a loaf of bread.
As a Society we have perhaps become too tolerant, especially interpreting European Law and are now ‘Hoist by our own Petard’!!
Kindest regards,
Graeme