Four schools in the market town of Ruthin were placed on lockdown on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a man seen carrying an axe. As a precaution, pupils remained in classrooms beyond the usual finishing time while police investigated the situation.
North Wales Police confirmed they received a report at 1.50pm regarding a man walking along a road in Ruthin, possibly armed with an axe. Officers responded promptly and conducted a thorough search of the area, but found no evidence of a threat.
A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: “At 1.50pm we received a report of a man walking along a road in Ruthin possibly carrying an axe. Officers attended promptly and a search of the area was negative.”
Following the initial report, several local schools decided to implement lockdown procedures as a precautionary measure. Ysgol Brynhyfryd’s headteacher, Trefor Jones, informed parents of the situation at around 3pm, stating: “Please be aware that we have had to lock down the school just before the end of the school day due to a potential issue outside the school site/in the community. All pupils are in the school and safe.”
Denbighshire Council confirmed that four schools in the area were affected by the lockdown. A spokesperson reassured the public: “Four schools in Ruthin went into a precautionary lockdown this afternoon. North Wales Police confirmed there was no threat and pupils were released safely at 4.15pm.”
Police later reiterated that there was no credible risk to public safety. “Subsequently, several schools in the area took the decision to lockdown. Please be assured that there has been no credible threat to the safety of the community, and the schools have been advised to allow pupils to leave. Officers will remain in the vicinity purely to continue enquiries and as reassurance to residents.”
Schools in Ruthin placed on lockdown after reports of armed man
