Armed police swarm outside school as teachers issue urgent warning to parents amid ’emergency incident’
ARMED police swarmed outside a school as teachers issued an urgent warning to parents amid an emergency incident.
Police are at an estate in Portrack, a housing estate in the east of the Stockton, County Durham.
Several large police vans, along with armed officers, are said to have an area of the Stockton estate on lockdown.
Photos show armed police standing next to their vehicles holding automatic weapons and wearing body armour.
Specialist search officers and dogs are involved in the "ongoing operation" which has also been extended to the nearby Bluehall estate.
Tilery Primary School, on St Ann's Terrace, released a statement just before 11am saying the lockdown was over.
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It said: "THANK YOU to all parents, carers and families for your patience and understanding this morning. The safety of our children, staff and community is our highest priority and we followed our safeguarding procedures to ensure this.
"Children are now back in classes and we will keep you updated on the situation."
Tillery Primary school has 315 pupils between the ages or two and 11.
A spokesperson from the school had earlier confirmed an ongoing incident, but wouldn't comment further.
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They said: "Due to an ongoing police incident on the Portrack estate, if your child is coming to school, can you please take them to the main hall."
One witness told Teesside Live: "Armed police everywhere St Anne's Terrace. School on full lockdown taking all the kids to the main hall no parents allowed in to the school grounds".
Police have confirmed they are carrying out a series of warrants in the Stockton area as part of an ongoing operation.
They said in a statement: "Armed and unarmed officers from Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police are involved in the activity as well as specialist search officers and dog section.
"A cordon remains in place at these addresses.
"We will issue further information on this activity as soon as possible."
Locals on Facebook slammed the people who were being raided by police.
One said: "Due to the stupidity of adults - stress for children? When children sense that something is happening, they are simply afraid."
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Another said: "Eeeeeh wonder what's gannin on like hew. Ye never see police in Stockton...it's a lovely place."
A third posted: "Can see this from mine and I still have no idea what's going on."
