Pupils in Bradford allowed home after 'alarming' social media post

The school's head teacher said there would be a police presence towards the end of the day

Students have been allowed to leave a Bradford school early amid "alarming social media posts" which parents fear threaten pupils' safety.

In a message sent out by Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, parents were told no student would be allowed to leave on their own.

One mother told the BBC a video circulating showed teenage boys armed with machetes and making threats.

Police said officers were at the school to help pupils leave safely.

The force said it had responded following concerns about "social media activity which suggested violent disorder would occur outside the premises at the end of the school day".

In the message sent out on Friday morning, head teacher Andrew Taylor said: "As you will be aware, there are some alarming social media posts circulating which are causing understandable alarm in the community.

"We are building our intelligence of the situation, and we are working with the police to ensure everyone's safety in school."

Mr Taylor said "to mitigate any risk... you may collect your child if you are concerned, which will be authorised absence".

Students were warned they would not be able to leave school alone

He said there would be "additional police presence expected" towards the end of the day.

"Our Welfare Team are well aware of the facts and will be available for any students who are worried," he added.

The message said that all after-school activities, including detentions, had been cancelled.

It continued: "No student will be allowed to leave site on their own during the day, even with parental consent."

Parents 'angry and upset'

The mother, who did not want to be named, said her 15-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son had both come home early.

"It was absolute chaos when parents went to pick their kids up from school. People were in a state of panic and parents were angry and upset.

"I'm really concerned. Knowing my children are safe now is the main thing but I'm worried whether this is going to be sorted by Monday."

West Yorkshire Police said: "Officers spoke with the school and an increased police presence was put in place to assist pupils with leaving the premises safely."

It said it was "aware of local concerns which have been expressed following this social media activity and are continuing to monitor the situation."

The force added that a man had been arrested in connection with four robbery offences which had occurred this week in the Wibsey area near the school.

It said one of the robberies happened at a shop on Brownroyd Hill Road on Tuesday when a group of males armed with weapons threatened staff and stole items.

Other offences took place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, all in the nearby Wibsey Park area.

Sgt Paul Wharton said: "We realise these offences are causing concern to residents in the Wibsey area and I can promise them a full investigation is ongoing into what took place."