THREE Coventry schools are closed today after concerns were raised about suspicious activity outside.
West Midlands police were called to reports of a man behaving strangely outside Whitmore Park Primary School, Halford Lane at 9.40am yesterday morning (Wednesday).
Following further investigation the man has been identified and spoken to by police.
A spokesperson for the police said: “Officers are satisfied with the explanation he gave and that no offences have been committed and there are no further concerns around this individual.
“All incidents of this nature reported to us are taken seriously and will be looked into.
“We would always encourage people to report any activity or behaviour they deem suspicious.”
In response to the incident the school on Halford Lane tweeted: “Due to an incident outside of school we have reviewed the risk assessment for Polling Day and have decided to close.”
Meanwhile, Hollyfast Primary School and Keresley Grange Academy will also be closed.
The school on Waste Lane published the following statement on its website: “We regret to inform you that the Governing Body have taken the decision to close Keresley Grange.
“This will affect all classes from reception to year 6.”
“There was a minor incident outside our school this morning before 8.30am and we have since heard that there was a similar incident later in the morning outside another local school.”
A letter from the governing body on Hollyfast Primary School’s website said: “Several incidents in the area have been reported to the police in recent days.
“As Hollyfast is being used as a polling station tomorrow, we have urgently reviewed the risk assessment for the safeguarding of our pupils.
“We feel that the additional footfall caused by the general election may present a level of risk which would be greater than on a standard school day.”
Police are also encouraging parents to reinforce the following messages:
• Never go off on your own with a stranger, take things from them or get in a car with them.
• Make sure you tell your parents where you are.
• If someone scares you, or makes you feel uncomfortable go somewhere safe, which could be your home, your school or a police station.
• Remember to tell someone what has happened straight away.
• Always dial 999 in an emergency.
