Knife Scare Sparks Lockdown at Rainham Infant School
Chaos erupted in Rainham after a woman was spotted near Whybridge Infant School carrying a knife and scissors. The busy school on Ford Lane was forced into lockdown for 30 tense minutes on Tuesday afternoon (25 March) as police swooped in.
Swift Lockdown Protects Pupils
The Metropolitan Police were called at 2:50pm following reports of the woman near the school grounds, an area shared by three schools. Officers detained her close by. She was taken to hospital under the Mental Health Act, and thankfully no one was hurt.
Headteacher Suzi Longhurst said:
“We temporarily locked down the school for about 30 minutes after hearing of an incident nearby. This was to keep children and staff safe while police investigated. The school reopened and pupils were allowed home by 3:30pm.”
Nearby Schools Stay Alert but Avoid Lockdown
Brittons Academy, another local school, was informed but chose not to lock down. Principal Claire Whiley reassured parents the incident happened after school hours and posed no immediate threat to students on campus.
“Senior staff liaised with police to support students on their way home. The incident was contained effectively by local police and did not require further action from academy staff.”
Police Confirm Details of Incident
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said:
“Police were called at 2:50pm on Tuesday (25 March) to reports of a woman allegedly carrying a knife and scissors in Ford Lane, Rainham. Officers attended and detained the woman nearby. She was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital.”
Parents and local residents have praised both school staff and emergency services for their rapid response and keeping the children safe during the alarming ordeal.
