Five arrested after teen injured when gang 'armed with knives' walked into college and threatened students
Five people have been arrested after a gang of males armed with knives walked into a college and threatened students.
A 17-year-old boy was nicked on the arm during the incident, which happened on Monday at Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire. His injury is not thought to be serious and no-one else was injured, police said.
Lancashire Police said staff from the college rang them on Monday morning after they received an anonymous report that a group with weapons were heading to the college by train from Manchester.
Officers were sent to the college and just before 4pm saw a group of males walking into the grounds while students were leaving. Some were seen carrying knives and making threats towards students.
The force said they believe it was a targeted attack and the gang had gone to find someone.
For your information, College will be open as usual for classes tomorrow, Tuesday 5 March.
— Runshaw College (@RunshawCollege) March 4, 2019
The group fled when patrols arrived, Lancashire Police said, but three people who were inside a parked Nissan Micra close by were arrested. A fourth person who made off on foot was also arrested.
A Peugeot 306 was later stopped on the M55 and a fifth person was arrested in connection with the incident.
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Chief Inspector Gary Crowe, from Leyland Police, said: “We believe this was a targeted attack in that we think the group have gone to find someone and a separate student has received a minor injury. This was not a random attack.
“I would like to reassure people that the incident has now come to a close. The safety of the college’s students and staff remains our priority and so we have stepped up patrols in the area and this will continue. We have and will remain in close contact with the college.”
In a tweet, Runshaw College said it would be open as usual on Tuesday for classes.