Overview
- Essex Police say Davenant Foundation School staff reported a man acting unusually who entered the grounds before officers arrested him for failing to attend court for alleged offences outside the county.
- The force described the individual as an asylum seeker who sleeps rough outside Essex, and confirmed he was released on bail.
- No criminal offences were reported at the school related to the incident, and police rejected speculation linking the man to The Bell Hotel.
- Roding Valley High School told parents it would increase on-site senior staff and requested extra police presence as a precaution.
- On Thursday, residents reported unverified sightings near schools in Waltham Abbey; Leverton Primary confirmed a lockdown around midday as police searched the area, with local reports of searches in nearby woodland.