THERE has been a huge queue of parents at a Bradford school today as they anxiously waited to pick their children up.

It came after Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College issued a stark message amid "alarming social media posts" and robberies within the Wibsey area. 

The school said it was working with police to ensure safety and said parents could collect their children early if they were concerned. 

All after-school activities - including detentions were cancelled - and no student was allowed to leave the school on their own, even with parental consent.

"I was queuing for my daughter for an hour-and-a-half this morning," said one woman.

"It’s scary, that’s why I came for her. She suffers from anxiety - something like this doesn’t help at all. I’ve seen the videos that are circulating - where are those kids’ parents?”

Another parent said: “There’s still a big queue of parents in the school waiting to get their children."

Veronica Craig told the T&A: “My stomach was sick - I couldn’t get here quick enough. I was waiting two hours to pick up my daughter and her friend. I’m extremely concerned about the situation."

Statement from West Yorkshire Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and conducting a number of active enquiries in the Wibsey area of Bradford following recent robbery offences. 

Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing officers are conducting reassurance patrols today as Bradford District CID continues to investigate.

A male has now been arrested in connection with four robbery offences which took place between Monday and Thursday this week. 

One of the offences took place in the evening of Tuesday 5th March 2024, at a convenience store on Brownroyd Hill Road after a group of males entered and threatened staff inside.  A number of items were stolen from within the shop.  

The other offences took place in the evenings of Monday 4th March 2024, Wednesday 6th March 2024 and Thursday 7th March 2024 in the Wibsey Park area.  

In all of the offences, male victims were approached and threatened by masked suspects with weapons who then stole property. 

No-one was injured in the offences.  

Sergeant Paul Wharton of the Bradford South NPT said: “We realise these offences are causing concern to residents in the Wibsey area and I can promise them a full investigation is ongoing into what took place by our colleagues at Bradford CID.  

“The offences are being treated as linked and a male has been arrested in connection with these matters. 

“Anyone who can help identify the suspects or has footage of them from the times and areas the offences took place in is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat referencing police crime number  13240123627.

“Information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”