ARMED police have swarmed outside a school as teachers have issued an urgent warning to parents amid an emergency incident.
Police are at an estate in Portrack, a housing estate in the east of the Stockton, County Durham.
Several large police vans, along with armed officers, are said to have an area of the Stockton estate on lockdown.
Photos show armed police standing next to their vehicles holding rifles and wearing body armor.
Specialist search officers and dogs are involved in the “ongoing operation” which has also been extended to the nearby Bluehall estate.
The Northern Echo reported Tilery Primary School, on St Ann’s Terrace, released a statement just before 11am.
It said: “THANK YOU to all parents, carers and families for your patience and understanding this morning. The safety of our children, staff and community is our highest priority and we followed our safeguarding procedures to ensure this.
“Children are now back in classes and we will keep you updated on the situation.”
Tillery Primary school has 315 pupils between the ages of two and 11.
A spokesperson from the school had earlier confirmed an ongoing incident, but would not comment further.
They said: “Due to an ongoing police incident on the Portrack estate, if your child is coming to school, can you please take them to the main hall.”
One witness told Teesside Live: “Armed police everywhere St Anne’s Terrace. School on full lock down taking all the kids to the main hall no parents allowed in to the school grounds”.
Police have confirmed they are carrying out a series of warrants in the Stockton area as part of an ongoing operation.
They said in a statement: “Police are currently carrying out a series of warrants in the Stockton area as part of an ongoing operation.
“Armed and unarmed officers from Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police are involved in the activity as well as specialist search officers and dog section.
“A cordon remains in place at these addresses.
“We will issue further information on this activity as soon as possible.”
Tags: Armed police swarm school teachers issue urgent warning parents emergency incident
