Three teenagers have been arrested following a suspected sword attack near a school in Gloucester that left a 17-year-old injured and led to nearby schools going into lockdown.
Police Response and Arrests
Gloucestershire constabulary officers arrived at Chalford Road, close to St Peter’s high school in Tuffley, shortly after 8.50am on Friday. Reports indicated that two individuals, with one carrying a sword, chased two 17-year-olds before fleeing on foot. One victim suffered a superficial wound likely caused by the sword, while the second young person escaped physical injury.
Armed police deployed to search for the suspects, while St Peter’s high school and Willow primary academy entered lockdown. Authorities arrested a 19-year-old overnight, an 18-year-old surrendered to police on Saturday morning, and a 17-year-old boy was arrested later that Saturday. All three suspects reside in Gloucester and remain in police custody for questioning. Additionally, police arrested a woman on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender, though she was subsequently released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
A St Peter’s student named Jimmy described the situation to the BBC as extremely frightening, noting that students remained locked inside classrooms for several hours with racing hearts. Parents received notifications from the school explaining an incident had occurred but was under control.
DI Sophie Dawkins from the constabulary’s CID acknowledged the public concern, particularly because the event occurred near a school during drop-off time. Armed officers utilized support from a drone unit and the National Police Air Service while neighborhood teams maintained a presence to reassure parents of no perceived wider threat.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the event or possesses dashcam or other footage who has not yet spoken with authorities to come forward with information.
