A SCHOOL has responded after it received praise from parents for putting their children's safety first.

West Park Academy and Wyburn Academy were placed on ‘lockdown’ to protect pupils on Monday while police responded to a stabbing incident in the north west of Darlington. 

Teachers assured parents all children were safe while preventing them from leaving without an adult.

A message from West Park Academy read: “We are currently in lockdown and all children are safe. We will not allow any children to leave the school without an adult (not an older sibling) Please pick up as normal with an adult. Top gate is locked.”

The Northern Echo: The incident took place on Collingsway, in the West Park area of Darlington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe incident took place on Collingsway, in the West Park area of Darlington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Talking of the decision to lock children inside the school, Sam Hirst, West Park Academy principal, said: “The staff and the children were absolutely brilliant. 

“We followed our procedures and kept things as normal as possible. 

“The children were totally unaware that anything was happening until they saw the police at the end of the day.”

Read more: Teen remains in custody after Darlington stabbing arrest

Police thanked the public for their patience, understanding and cooperation while officers dealt with the incident. 

Superintendent Neal Bickford, from Durham Constabulary, said: “We would like to reassure the local community that the incident was unrelated to any schools in the nearby area.

“A team of officers are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. If you have any information that could assist their investigation, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”