Oxfordshire college in ‘lockdown’ with police on campus

The incident occurred at Icknield Community College in Watlington today (Thursday May 7) in which all students and staff were ‘locked down’ on site.

Parents began receiving communications from the school at about 1pm that the situation was ongoing and no one could access the college grounds to prevent ‘interference’ with the police operations.

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A communication seen by this newspaper from Icknield Community College to parents at the school said: “The school remains in lockdown at this time. Police are currently on site and are supporting the school in managing the situation safely.

“All pupils and staff remain safe and continue to be supervised by school staff.

“We understand this is a concerning situation and appreciate you continued patience and cooperation.”

Police, file photo (Image: Police)

Thames Valley Police said the school took the decision to go into lockdown after it received a ‘malicious communication’, though this was not on advice from the police.

The force added: “There is not thought to be any threat to the public.”

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A further communication from the school sent just later in the afternoon said the lockdown was lifted, and students were able to return to the normal school site.

The second statement said: “We have been working with the police for the last hour and a half evaluating the best way to respond to what was deemed to be a credible phone threat that came into the school today.

“The view is now that our lockdown can be lifted.”