A 34-year-old man has been arrested after armed police were deployed in Stonydelph, Tamworth, this morning following reports of a man carrying a machete near local schools.

Officers were called at 8.43am to Silver Link Road and Crowden Road, where witnesses reported seeing a man allegedly brandishing a large weapon. Multiple schools, including Stonydelph Primary School and Three Peaks Primary Academy, were swiftly placed into lockdown as a precaution.

The incident sparked a large-scale response from Staffordshire Police, with armed officers, local patrols, and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter launched overhead during the search.

A machete was recovered at the scene, and police later confirmed the arrest of a 34-year-old man from Glascote on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

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 officers and the police helicopter, were in the area searching for the man.
A 34-year-old man, from Glascote, Tamworth, was arrested. A machete has been recovered.”

No injuries have been reported. Schools have since been stood down from lockdown, and parents were kept informed throughout.

A spokesperson for Stonydelph Primary School said:

“At the start of the school day, we received a concerning report involving an unknown man in the vicinity of the school.
Police were quick to respond and, following their advice and school policy, we entered into a lockdown which is well practised by both children and staff.”

Police have urged members of the public with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage to come forward as the investigation continues. Witnesses are asked to call 101, quoting incident 142 of 4 June, or use the Live Chat service on the Staffordshire Police website. Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.