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Police in Gloucestershire launched a manhunt for two suspects, one believed to be carrying a sword, following an altercation that left a 17-year-old boy injured. The incident prompted lockdowns at St Peter’s High School and Willow Primary Academy in Gloucester while armed officers searched the area.
Police Response and Suspect Descriptions
Armed police responded to the incident near St Peter’s High School earlier. A woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody, while officers continue searching for two men reported to have been chasing two boys. Officers remain stationed outside both schools, and all pupils have now been sent home.
Police stated that the 17-year-old victim sustained a superficial wound believed to have been caused by a sword. Although initial police reports indicated he was taken to hospital, authorities later clarified that was incorrect. A second 17-year-old victim was not injured.
Investigators described both suspects as white males. One suspect is aged in his late teens to early 20s, of medium to large build, about 6ft tall, and was wearing white sliders. The second suspect is described as about 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build, and dressed in black clothing.
School Lockdown and Parent Reactions
Pupils and parents described a frightening atmosphere during the lockdown. A 15-year-old pupil named Jimmy told BBC News that the school alarm sounded and computer screens displayed a lockdown message.
He recounted that students had to turn off the lights, lock doors, close blinds, and stay on the ground. Jimmy mentioned that pupils remained locked in classrooms for two to three hours and were eventually allowed to message their parents after about an hour.
Adam, whose daughter attends the school, said he felt frightened despite knowing she was safe via text message, adding that such events should not happen at school. Another parent waiting outside the gates expressed severe worry for her Year 8 daughter and Year 7 nephew who did not have phones in school, though she felt calmer after police confirmed they were safe.
An officer addressing parents outside St Peter’s High School explained that the remaining police presence was meant to provide reassurance and answer questions rather than signal an ongoing threat.
Investigation and Local Officials’ Responses
Det Insp Sophie Dawkins of Gloucestershire Police acknowledged the concern the incident caused, particularly occurring near a school during drop-off time. She reported that armed officers, a drone unit, and the National Police Air Service conducted searches and inquiries are ongoing. Police appealed for witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers or who possess dashcam footage to come forward.
Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre stated that his thoughts are with the injured teenager and his family, noting he contacted the Department for Education to provide support to the school. Lorraine Campbell, an independent councillor for the Tuffley area, called the incident extremely troubling and disturbing, emphasizing the shock of such an event occurring locally.
