A CHRISTCHURCH School went into lockdown after reports of a man in possession of a dangerous weapon.

The Grange School initiated lockdown procedures for its staff and students after reports of a man with a knife.

Some students were kept inside the premises until police had rendered the area safe.

The incident began at around 4pm today (May 2).

Deborah Hawkins, headteacher of The Grange School, said: “We received a call at 3.30pm today to reporting an individual unrelated to the school in the area in possession of a dangerous weapon.

“We instigated our lockdown procedures and called the police.”

“Police carried out a search of the school and the site.”

“There was no sign of any threat, and the lockdown was lifted.”

Dorset Police said: “We received a call at 3.53pm on Thursday 2 May 2024 of a man reportedly seen in possession of a knife in the area of the Somerford Estate in Christchurch.

“There were no reports of any injuries, or any threats being made.

“Officers were deployed to the area and carried out extensive searches.

“Following detailed enquiries at the scene, we believe the initial report to have been a false alarm with good intent and there is nothing to indicate any threat to the local community.

“During the deployment, officers conducted a search of The Grange School site as a precaution.

“A number of students and staff who were still on the site were asked to remain in place as these searches were carried out and they were subsequently escorted safely from the premises.”