Schools locked down after litter picker mistaken for gunman

Two schools went into lockdown after a workman’s litter-picking tool was mistaken for a gun.

Police were called following reports of a man carrying a firearm at around 9am on Thursday, after a pupil spotted a figure they thought was brandishing a weapon in a nearby wood.

Chantry and Newminster middle schools in Morpeth, Northumberland, then locked pupils and staff inside while they waited for officers to arrive.

Northumbria Police searched a wooded area in Mitford Road and discovered two men with litter pickers.

No other individuals were identified in the vicinity, police said.

The force said that while the call to emergency services was made “in good faith” it believes “the litter-picking tool was mistaken for a firearm”.

‘Something suspicious’

Cheviot Learning Trust, which runs both schools, said it had followed the correct procedures while “something suspicious was investigated”.

The trust said pupils remained inside on the advice of officers while the area was secured.

Alice Witherow, chief executive officer, said: “After a thorough investigation the police have told the schools that the incident has been closed and the schools can continue with their normal school days.

“Safety of all our pupils and staff is our top priority and I am pleased to say that all processes were diligently carried out by our school leaders. Our thanks to the police for their fast response.”