A primary school put their pupils under lockdown after motorcyclists in balaclavas were spotted nearby.
At home time on Thursday, Westoe Crown Primary School in South Shields was made aware of a group of people on motorcycles. They were reportedly wearing balaclavas, had what appeared to be weapons and were travelling along nearby roads at speed.
Parents and carers, who had arrived to collect their children, alerted members of staff. The school, on Sea Winnings Way in Westoe Crown Village, kept the pupils inside the building until police confirmed that the streets were safe.
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Officers are investigating whether the incident may have been an attempted theft of a motorbike.
ChronicleLive understands that, although concerns were raised, there no weapons involved.
In a letter, head teacher Mr Steve Price thanked the parents and carers who alerted them to the incident, which occurred at around 3.15pm.
He said: "This enabled us to respond swiftly, locking down the school and delaying dismissing children until the police confirmed that the local streets were safe.
"I wanted to reassure you that we do have a lockdown procedure in place, and this was invoked without delay; the children were absolutely safe at all times, and oblivious to what was happening outside of school."
Mr Price said the staff, children, parents and carers dealt with the situation "magnificently". He added: "You were calm and patient and that really helped us deal with the authorities who needed to respond quickly to ensure everyone's safety."
Northumbria Police said they received a report of a group of males trying to steal a motorbike.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Shortly before 3.15pm yesterday (Thursday) police received a report of suspicious activity on Hutton Row, South Shields.
"It was reported a group of males tried to steal a motorbike parked in the nearby area, before leaving the scene. Police were deployed and an investigation is ongoing."
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