Berwick Hills Primary School: Six arrests after armed fight
- Published
A large knife was seen being taken from the scene
A primary school was put in lockdown after an armed fight spilled into its grounds.
Men were seen fighting with weapons at Berwick Hills Primary School in Middlesbrough at about 08:40 BST.
Armed police arrested four men, and "sharp objects" were recovered, with officers later making two further arrests. A member of the public who tackled the men suffered minor injuries
A statement by the school said all its children were "safe and secure".
An ambulance was seen leaving the school grounds
Head teacher Tessa Smith said, external: "I want to reassure parents that at no point were any pupils at risk and that the school's security measures were prompt and effective.
"Of course I fully understand that this will be of considerable concern to parents, and that those who wish to collect their children from school are welcome to do so. We will be operating as normal for children staying at school."
The school said all children were safe following the brawl
Cleveland Police said two members of the public attempted to assist officers in detaining the suspects.
One of the men suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was treated and released.
The fight near the school is believed to be linked to an earlier incident at 06:40 BST, where an aggravated burglary was reported to have taken place at a property on Ellerby Green.
Four men visited the address and threatened the occupants with a weapon, and a car and a motorbike were stolen.
Armed police were spotted in the area
A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "Officers can assure parents that the incident is not linked to the school and officers will remain in the area for some time to provide a high-visibility presence and reassurance to members of the public."
Those arrested were; a 28-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possession of class A drugs, a 27-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and a man aged 26 on suspicion of aggravated burglary, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs and section 18 wounding with intent.
Three men aged 22, 26 and 49 were arrested on suspicion of affray and later released with no further action.
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