A 13-year-old girl has been arrested following a security alert that led to a lockdown at Haberdashers’ Knights Academy in Bromley on Friday afternoon (May 16).
Police were called to the secondary school on Launcelot Road at 1:06pm after three girls from another local school entered the academy grounds without permission. While the intruders did not breach any school buildings, the incident prompted staff to implement a lockdown procedure “as a precaution.”
Arrest and Police Response
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed:
“A 13-year-old girl is in police custody after she was arrested on suspicion of common assault, following a disturbance at a school in Launcelot Road, Bromley at 13:06hrs on Friday, 16 May.
No one was injured in the incident.”
Police officers attended the scene and spoke to all three girls. While only one arrest was made, no weapons were found and no injuries were reported. The other two girls were not charged, and no further action will be taken against them.
School Issues Statement to Parents
In a letter sent to parents shortly after the incident, Haberdashers’ Knights Academy leadership reassured families:
“Our staff acted swiftly and in line with our safeguarding procedures to ensure no one was placed in danger. The police attended promptly, and we implemented our lockdown procedure as a precaution.”
The school emphasized that all students and staff remained safe throughout and praised the swift actions taken by staff and emergency services.
They added:
“We are in contact with the leadership team at the other school involved, and they are committed to working with us to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
The academy also asked for calm and urged parents not to speculate or share incomplete information that could cause unnecessary distress.
Ongoing Support and Community Reassurance
The incident has understandably raised concern in the local community. The school has made support available to students and staff who may be affected and is encouraging open communication with parents who have questions or concerns.
