A primary school was forced into lockdown as armed police with riot vehicles and sniffer dogs stormed an estate near Middlesbrough.
Up to seven armed police officers and dozens of police vans and cars showed up at an estate in Portluck, Stockton-on-Tees, and entered a home there.
Nearby Tilery Primary School issued an alert to parents, saying: “Due to the ongoing police incident at Portrack Estate, if your children are coming to school please take them to the main hall.”
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An eyewitness told Teesside live: “There were armed police everywhere on St. Anne’s Terrace. The school was put into total lockdown, all children were taken to the main hall, and parents were not allowed to enter the campus.”
Tilery Elementary School has more than 300 students aged 2 to 11 years old. The children and staff have been preparing for end-of-year activities before getting off for the Easter holidays later today.
The school released an update just before 11am: “Thank you to all parents, carers and families for your patience and understanding this morning.
“The safety of our children, staff and communities is our priority and we are following protective procedures to ensure this. Children are now back in class and we will keep you updated on the situation.”
A spokesman for Durham Police told independent: “Police are currently executing a series of search warrants in the Stockton area as part of an ongoing operation.
“Armed and unarmed officers from Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police were involved, as well as specialist search officers and dog units.
“These addresses remain cordoned off. We will release further information about this activity as soon as possible.”
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