The headteacher of a primary school has thanked parents and Staffordshire Police for their quick response following a report of a man with a rifle in Stoke-on-Trent

Gladstone Primary Academy in Longton was put on lockdown for an hour at 6:35pm yesterday evening (19 March), when the school was hosting a parents' evening, while armed officers led a search of a nearby woodland area.

Everyone was kept safe and Staffordshire Police say no person matching the description was found. Following a thorough search they do not believe there is a wider threat to people in the area. 

Claire Annese, headteacher of Gladstone Primary Academy, told Stoke Nub News: "Police officers searched woodland near the school after reports of a man holding a rifle.

"To ensure the safety of our children and their parents and staff, we put the school into lockdown for just over one hour at 6.35pm during a parents' evening on 19th March 2025.

"The incident was resolved quickly. Everyone was kept safe and no-one was hurt. We would like to thank parents for their support and Staffordshire Police for their swift response."

Yesterday evening, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said "Officers worked closely with a nearby school to make sure they were safe while the search was carried out.

"No one matching the description was found and no further reports were received.

"Officers have updated the school that there is not believed to be any wider threat and a thorough search has been completed. 

 "Armed officers have now left the scene."

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