Overview
- Unverified posts over the weekend claimed a pupil was carrying a knife at Saddleworth School in Diggle, near Oldham.
- Greater Manchester Police attended after reports of a bladed weapon and determined the claims were a rumour with no threat to the school or wider community.
- Headteacher Mike Anderson said senior staff reviewed all reports, referred them to police, and implemented standard safeguarding measures as the school operated normally.
- Before official reassurance, some parents told children to leave or collected them, while the school switchboard was overwhelmed by calls seeking information.
- In a Tuesday message, the headteacher thanked families for their support, said confidentiality prevents sharing further details, and pledged continued reassurance for students, as some parents criticized the communication and absence of a lockdown.