Several schools in a UK town were put on lockdown following reports of an individual with a firearm. Authorities responded to the incident in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, after receiving information about a suspicious person carrying 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 protocols, keeping students indoors. Nearby shops were also temporarily closed as a precaution.
Witnesses stated that no one could approach the affected schools, with students remaining inside while law enforcement handled the situation. Parents were informed via a message that their children were secure and supervised by staff. The school phone lines were inaccessible due to the ongoing lockdown.
The Greater Manchester Police spokesperson confirmed the incident, mentioning that armed officers were dispatched to Gerard Street following the report. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and after searching two individuals, no firearms were found.