Armed police arrested a 34-year-old man following reports of a machete-wielding individual near schools in Stonydelph, Tamworth, causing a significant police response early on 4 June 2024.
At 8.43am, officers were called to Silver Link Road and Crowden Road after witnesses reported seeing a man carrying a large weapon. As a precaution, several schools including Stonydelph Primary School and Three Peaks Primary Academy were placed into lockdown.
Staffordshire Police launched a major operation involving armed officers, local patrols, and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter. A machete was recovered at the scene during the search.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.43am to reports of a man with a machete on Silver Link Road and Crowden Road. Local officers, together with firearms teams and the police helicopter, searched the area. A 34-year-old man from Glascote, Tamworth, was arrested. A machete has been recovered.”
Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident. Schools have since been stood down from lockdown, with parents kept fully informed throughout the tense situation.
A spokesperson for Stonydelph Primary School stated: “At the start of the school day, we received a concerning report involving an unknown man near the school. Police responded quickly, and following their advice, we went into lockdown—a procedure well rehearsed by our staff and pupils.”
Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage to assist with their ongoing investigation. Witnesses can contact Staffordshire Police by calling 101 and quoting incident 142 of 4 June, use the online 1 Chat service on the Staffordshire Police website, or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
