St Paul’s (Slade Green) Church of England Primary School went into lockdown on the afternoon of September 19, 2024, after receiving what turned out to be a hoax call. The school had been alerted to a report of a man with a hammer outside the premises, prompting staff to immediately take action to ensure the safety of the children.

After locking down the school, staff contacted the police for guidance on how to proceed. The Metropolitan Police have since confirmed that the incident was a false alarm, likely a hoax. The police confirmed that no real threat was present.

In an email sent to parents and carers, Principal Mrs W Cornford expressed her gratitude for their patience during the incident. She explained that the school had received a call they believed was from the police, prompting them to take swift action by locking down the building. Once the police confirmed there was no danger, the lockdown was lifted, and the children were safely released.

The school reassured families that the safety of the students is their top priority and that they acted out of an abundance of caution. Authorities are expected to investigate the source of the false report.