Sandwell Aquatics Centre 'put into lockdown' amid reports of 'group with knives'
Sandwell Aquatics Centre was put into 'lockdown' following reports of a 'group of people with knives' nearby. Police were called when two females went into the Smethwick centre to 'ask for help'.
The incident triggered the facility's safety procedures on Monday evening, January 20. West Midlands Police officers were sent to the scene but saw 'no sign of any offenders or disorder'.
The leisure centre reopened within 20 minutes, Sandwell Council said. All staff and customers were "fine", with "minimal disruption" caused.
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A local authority spokesperson said: "There was an incident which did not occur in the centre, however two females came into centre for help and the police were called. As a precaution, the centre followed its safety procedures by taking lock down to safeguard customers and staff. The centre reopened within 20 minutes, all staff and customers fine with minimal disruption."
A West Midlands Police spokesperson added: "We were called to a report of a group of people with knives in the area. But there was no sign of any offenders or disorder when we arrived."