Arrests over 'violent confrontation' near school

Pupils and parents were not believed to have been the target of the incident near a school, West Yorkshire Police says

Four people have been arrested after a "violent confrontation" between armed men outside a primary school in West Yorkshire.

Two groups of three men, some believed to be wielding blades, clashed on Highfield Road in Hemsworth at about 14:50 GMT on Wednesday, according to West Yorkshire Police.

A vehicle was rammed as one group left the scene, officers said. Some of those involved were reported to have fled in a BMW while an Audi remained at the location.

Supt Alan Travis said: "No children were injured, but it was a distressing scene for young children to see and for parents to experience when collecting their children from school."

"This was a serious incident which took place outside a primary school when parents were getting ready to collect their children," he added.

"As such, I would like to thank the school for its quick response in ensuring pupils remained safely within the confines of the school.

"I would also like to add that we don't believe that pupils or parents were the intended target of this attack."

Those arrested remained in custody, officers said, with those who witnessed the incident or anyone with CCTV or mobile phone footage asked to contact police.

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