School in lockdown as boys held amid knives report

Two boys, aged 14, were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon

Two boys have been arrested after a school in the West Midlands was put into lockdown amid reports masked people were outside carrying knives.

Police said they were called to Leasowes High School in Halesowen after reports of two people with weapons were outside the school.

Two 14-year-old boys were later arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after police dogs helped recover the knives, West Midlands Police said.

The suspects are in custody and due to be questioned, while the school confirmed the lockdown had been necessary in order to protect its pupils.

In a letter to parents, the school praised students and staff for how calmly they handled the situation, which resulted in pupils being released from school 45 minutes later than usual.

"While we appreciate the term lockdown sounds very dramatic, this is something that we practice like a fire alarm drill at the school," the letter added.

The school said it will open as normal on Friday.