Immanuel College burglary: people hit out over incident

Parents of children at Immanuel College in Idle were told yesterday morning that the school would be closed all day due to “unforeseen circumstances” leading to questions about what had happened.

One parent said they knew it must have been something serious for it to shut the school.

Immanuel College

It later emerged police had been scrambled to the school in the early hours of the morning following reports of a burglary, resulting in the arrest of two 15-year-old boys at the scene.

The news emerged just before 8am, when an emergency school closure alert was issued by Bradford Council

A statement on the school’s social media accounts was posted which said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances school will not be open today to any students except those due to sit a formal exam.

"Students due to sit an exam should arrive at main reception 15 minutes before the exam start time…

Smashed windows were being fixed

"We apologise for the short notice but we will be unable to accommodate any students today.

"Further information will follow regarding the re-opening of school."

The nature of the post caused concern among parents, with many taking to the school’s Facebook page to share their concern and ask for further details.

One person wrote: "Now this is very strange as in all the years I’ve been a parent here it’s never happened before it hardly even closes for snow days."

Another damaged window could be seen

The reason behind the closure was then confirmed by West Yorkshire Police.

A spokesperson confirmed officers were called to the school at 4am to reports of a burglary.

Two 15-year-old males were arrested at the scene on suspicion of burglary and remained in police custody yesterday.

“Enquiries are ongoing,” added the spokesperson.

One parent who did not wish to be named told the Telegraph & Argus: “It was a bit hectic this morning finding out about the last-minute closure.

One smashed window had been removed from its frame

“We didn’t know what had happened, but it had to be serious to close the school.

“It’s shocking to hear about the burglary. I just hope the impact of this incident isn’t too severe on the school or its students.

“Our thoughts are also with the students who had to attend school to take their exams. I hope it wasn’t too stressful for them.”

Others reacted with fury to the news on the Telegraph & Argus’ Facebook page.

When the T&A visited the scene yesterday afternoon, several smashed windows could be seen behind the school and a glass firm was in attendance.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: “It’s clearly disappointing that yet again we have a small minority of young people involving themselves in criminal activity.

“Children have not been able to go to school, which obviously had a knock-on impact on parents and families who need to go to work.”

In a statement to the Telegraph & Argus, a spokesperson for Immanuel College said it takes the safety and wellbeing of its students with the utmost seriousness.

They added: “Following a suspected burglary at the College last night, we have closed the College for face-to-face teaching today to allow the police to carry out their investigation and to ensure that the building is safe and secure.

“We are working with the authorities to fully support and facilitate their investigations and families can rest assured that students are still able to sit their external exams safely today as normal and the usual pre-exam preparation has been put in place for them.”

The school said students’ learned remotely yesterday and will return to in-person today.

“We would like to thank our parents, carers, students, staff and wider community for their support and co-operation at this time and we look forward to seeing our students back in the college when it reopens on Wednesday, May 25,” the statement added.