Overview
- Cleveland Police detained a 30-year-old who is in custody on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, as well as possession of a Class A drug.
- The incident occurred at about 8:55am on Monday on Eskdale Road, where CCTV captured a man carrying what appeared to be an air rifle and briefly pointing it skyward as children arrived at Eskdale Academy.
- Eskdale Academy’s headteacher initiated a precautionary lockdown during drop-off, then resumed normal lessons after further police information, with senior staff notifying parents.
- Armed response officers and a police drone were deployed but did not initially locate the individual, prompting the release of CCTV images to help trace him.
- Police are conducting CCTV enquiries and reassurance patrols, will be present at pick-up and drop-off times, and are asking anyone with information or footage to contact 101 or the Cleveland Police website, quoting reference 220946.