We provided a statement to parents yesterday, regarding social media images and messages that have been circulating about alleged threats to a number of schools, including Appleton Academy. This can be read here: https://appletonacademy.co.uk/local-incidents-and-alleged-threats-to-the-academy/. We understand the anxiety these messages are causing and so we thought it prudent to share the latest information we have from the police on this matter and how we are dealing with the issue in school.
Senior staff at the Academy spoke with the police at the end of last week, as we were aware of the social media post, and we then held an additional meeting in person with our Safer Schools Police Officer yesterday morning. He was able to provide us with an update, including the latest information the police have on what has been occurring locally since last week. Our Safer Schools Police Officer has also spoken to us this morning and confirmed that there have been no incidents of any concern at any of the schools listed in that message, including those that were named as being due to be targeted yesterday and today. In fact, the police advise that there have been no other incidents related to the group to whom this message has been attributed since those that occurred in Wibsey last Thursday night.
The police continue to believe that there is no credible threat to any school, including Appleton Academy. However, to provide reassurance, the police were present at our site yesterday and today, and will remain so over the course of the rest of the week. We also have additional staff on duty on site at the start and end of the day. Staff have been briefed and are very aware of the issues that have occurred over the last few days in relation to this matter and the concern this has caused amongst parents. Staff are very vigilant to any issues that may come up.
On this basis, we do not believe there is any reason for parents to absent their children from school on Thursday, or any day this week, and we would continue to encourage parents to send them to school as normal. Parents are welcome to speak to our duty staff at the start and end of the day when you drop your children off at school and they will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
West Yorkshire Police have also now provided the following update on their investigation into the incidents that occurred last week and these social media posts:
“We are aware of a social media video that has been circulating around the community in West Yorkshire since last week of a small group of youths making threats towards another group.
There has been speculation regarding incidents within schools however there have been no reported incidents at any school within our communities.
West Yorkshire Police are working with local authorities and are actively encouraging people not to speculate or put unnecessary fear into the community and would kindly ask people do not share these types of videos online.
In response to concerns raised, West Yorkshire Police are working with our partners and local neighbourhood policing teams to provide reassurance in the community.
Four arrests have been made in relation to this matter and enquiries remain ongoing by Bradford CID.
West Yorkshire Police take all reports of youth violence and anti-social behaviour seriously and behaviour of this type will not be tolerated, and any offences committed will be dealt with robustly.
Anyone who has information about this video or who knows who is in it, is asked to contact police via 101 or using the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat quoting log 13240123627
Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111“
