St Patrick’s High School on New Lane in Eccles implemented emergency lockdown procedures today after Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a male ‘acting suspiciously’.
18:09, 01 Apr 2026Updated 20:36, 01 Apr 2026
St Patricks RC High School in Eccles implemented emergency lockdown procedures today
A secondary school in Eccles, Greater Manchester was put into emergency lockdown as police were called to reports of a male ‘acting suspiciously’.
St Patrick’s High School on New Lane in Eccles implemented the procedures on Wednesday following reports of a male ‘acting suspiciously’ in an alleyway behind the school. Officers attended, with efforts made to find the man, but he had fled the scene. No arrests have been made so far.
One parent told Manchester Evening News that children were ‘locked into the school’ and had to be picked up by a parent or guardian following the incident. Greater Manchester Police confirmed a search was carried out outside the premises.
Notes sent out to parents and carers claimed there had been a ‘break-in’ at the site before the school day started, and that it was feared the suspected intruder ‘may have returned’.
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“Dear parents and carers, we had a break-in this morning before school,” the note read. “The suspected intruder may have returned. Police are here. Whilst we check the site fully we have locked down the school to keep all children safe. Please do not come to school. We will be in touch again very soon.”
The school later issued a statement thanking parents and carers for their cooperation following the lockdown measures. A statement read: “Thank you to all staff for their professionalism today during an unexpected incident that resulted in a lockdown. All children and staff were kept safe at all times. Please be reassured school is open as normal tomorrow.”
It comes after three schools were placed in lockdown in Bristol today following a shooting. Avon and Somerset Police were called at 1.47pm following the incident in the Speedwell area of Bristol.
The force confirmed that firearms officers attended the scene to support emergency services who were present. A man aged in his 20s was taken to hospital with a serious injury, which is described as potentially life-changing.
Police said the man responsible left in the direction of Soundwell on a black and grey electric bike. He is described as being white, aged in his late teens or early 20s, of slim build and about 6ft tall. The man was wearing a grey hoodie, black trousers and a balaclava.
Chief Inspector James Clements said: “I know this incident will be incredibly concerning, however, we are deploying significant resources, including a National Police Air Service helicopter and our specially-trained firearms officers, as we work to locate the person responsible.
“The victim has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for an injury that’s potentially life-changing, but not believed to be life-threatening.
“His family have been informed and will be kept updated as our investigation progresses. There is likely to be a significant police presence in the area over the coming days while our investigation continues.
“Neighbourhood officers will also be carrying out extra patrols and anyone with any concerns can speak with them about these.”