A school was plunged into lockdown after a serious incident unfolded just yards away from its sports pitch. 

Some students at Titus Salts School, Baildon, were reportedly taking part in PE lessons when a targeted attack took place on nearby Glenwood Avenue. 

Headteacher lan Morrel sent an email to parents reporting that some students “witnessed two youths fleeing the area”. 

In the email correspondence, Mr Morrel said: “I have been informed of an incident that has occurred in our local community which the police are fully aware of and have responded to. I wish to assure all parents and carers that the school remains safe and the incident is not connected with the school.

“Whilst out in the community with members of the PE Faculty some of our pupils witnessed two youths fleeing the area around the end of Roberts Park over the bridge by Victoria Road.

“All pupils and members of staff returned to school safely and were not involved in the incident.

“We ensured that on return to school, those pupils who felt they needed support with what they had seen were kept with their teacher and our Wellbeing Officer has been with the pupils since they came back into the building. 

“We also put a temporary lockdown in place which following a conversation with a police inspector this restriction has been lifted. 

“During my telephone conversation with the police inspector I have been assured that what took place was a targeted incident and the perpetrators have left the scene and are being pursued by the police. I have been told that we do not need to put any restrictions in place and the police have dealt with the incident.

“I am in direct contact with the police inspector who is providing me with any updates to ensure we remain safe and secure. I wish to repeat that the incident was in the local community and has no connection to the school.”

'I knew it was something quite serious'

One mum-of-two said: “I knew it was something quite serious. I just received an update from school.

“It’s the unknown.

“It was just really concerning.”

She added: “What stories are they going to come home with today? Who knows?

“The stress they must have felt having seen it. Some children just have more of a nervous disposition than others. One of ours is quite an anxious disposition, the other one would like to watch and witness it. It’s knowing how to respond to these incidents.

“It’s great to see how the school has responded well and the wellbeing officers in place. They’re prepared for such events.”

Her partner described the situation as “worrying”. 

The dad said: “As a parent it’s quite worrying that the children have seen something which is obviously dramatic for them if they’ve had to see the wellbeing officer. It’s quite worrying really.”

West Yorkshire Police was called to reports of an assault at a property at around 10am on Wednesday (February 8). 

One male was discovered with injuries and taken to hospital.

Two suspects made off from the scene in the direction of Roberts Park. 

Initial enquiries suggest that this was a targeted attack and there is no threat to the wider public. Police remain at the scene on Glenwood Avenue and enquiries are ongoing. 

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