Reader TTS

Tamworth schools placed in lockdown after man with machete alertArmed police and a force helicopter were sent to the Stonydelph area of Tamworth this morningNewsDan Newbould and Nick Horner

Senior reporter12:31, 04 Jun 2025Updated 12:52, 04 Jun 2025Armed police at the scene in Stonydelph, Tamworth after a man with a machete was reported to be in the area (Image: Lewis Orme)

Schools were placed in lockdown after reports of a man with a machete sparked an armed police response.

It happened in the Stonydelph area of Tamworth shortly before 9am today, Wednesday, June 4.

Staffordshire Police confirmed it received a call at 8.43am reporting a man seen with a machete in Silver Link Road and Crowden Road.

READ MORE: Boy aged just 14 stabbed at city park

Police, including armed officers, were sent to the scene along with a police helicopter overhead.

Schools were placed in lockdown, with Stoneydelph Primary confirming it instigated its procedure for dealing with this such an incident.

Article continues below A spokeswoman for the school said: “At the start of the school day, we received a concerning report involving an unknown man in the vicinity of the school.

“Police were quick to respond and following their advice and school policy, we entered into a lockdown which is known to, and well-practised by, both children and staff.”

A police car in the Stonydelph area of Tamworth following reports of a man seen with a machete (Image: EpiTog) The statement continued: “Parents were immediately informed of the concern and

kept updated throughout. All children and staff were kept safe as a priority.

“We are proud of the way our school community responded to the emergency; our children and staff were exemplary and parents were fully supportive.”

It is also understood Three Peaks Primary Academy in Fossdale Road was also placed in lockdown, with several other schools also in the area.

The police helicopter overhead in Stonydelph in Tamworth following reports of a man seen with a machete (Image: EpiTog) Staffordshire Police confirmed officers arrested a 34-year-old man,

from Glascote, on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. A machete was also recovered.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “We were called at 8.43am to reports of a man with a machete on Silver Link Road and Crowden Road. No-one was reported injured.

“Local officers, together with firearms officers and the National Police Air Service helicopter, were in the area searching for the man.

“A 34-year-old man, from Glascote, Tamworth, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

“A machete has been recovered. Local schools have been updated.”

‌ Get the latest BirminghamLive news direct to your inbox

The statement continued: “Local officers will be in the area offering reassurance.

“We are asking witnesses or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to get in touch. Call 101, quoting incident 142 of 4 June, or use Live Chat on our website.

Article continues below “To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”