Around 100 people have gathered outside a school where a male teacher was allegedly stabbed. The victim was taken to hospital following the incident at Tewkesbury Academy, also known as Tewkesbury School, shortly after 9am on Monday.
The school and at least one other were placed in lockdown as emergency services rushed to the scene with families told not to ring or attend the premises. However some parents were unhappy at the lack of information with several taking to social media to voice their concerns.
Now, the school’s headteacher Kathleen McGillycuddy, has responded in a statement saying: “We appreciate that this morning has been a worrying time for all associated with Tewkesbury Academy. We are writing to reassure you that all pupils remain safe and well.
“We were alerted shortly before 9am this morning to reports of a serious incident which left a male member of staff in need of hospital treatment. “The school was locked down and police were called immediately when we became aware of this incident.
"We have since been taking advice from the police on when and how to share updates with you. In the last few minutes police have arrested a teenage boy in connection with this incident.
"In conjunction with police advice the lockdown remains in place as a precaution. We hope to be able to provide a further update once cleared by police in the near future. Thank you for patience and understanding at this difficult time.”
Police initially reported the school was in lockdown. They followed this with a further statement which said: "An adult has been taken to hospital with a suspected stab wound following an incident at Tewkesbury School.
“We were called around 9.10am today (Monday) with a report a pupil had stabbed a teacher. A teenage boy has been arrested in connection with the incident.”
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “We were called at 9.08am to an incident in Tewkesbury on Monday 10 July. We sent three double-crewed land ambulances and two operations officers. We conveyed one patient by land to Gloucester Royal Hospital.”
At least three police patrol cars remained parked on the school grounds at noon while uniformed officers stood on duty at the entrances. However, a convoy of six unmarked police 4×4 vehicles – believed to contain armed officers – has now left the school.
All of the officers in those cars had their faces covered as they drove away. Three ambulances have also left the school.
Speaking after the incident Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “I am deeply concerned by reports of a stabbing at Tewkesbury School. “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain hugely grateful to the emergency services who are currently on the scene. “My department is on hand to support the school as the situation unfolds.”
The town’s MP, Laurence Robertson, said on Twitter : “I’m deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the terrible incident at Tewkesbury School this morning. My thoughts are with everyone at the scene.
“And my thanks to the staff, police, Dobbies and everyone trying to deal with the situation.”
