Police say their threats were unconnected to the school but there were “a number of people in the area at the time”
The Parade car park in Patchway, looking towards Norton House and the green space outside(Image: Google Maps)
A Monday school run took a terrifying turn in Patchway as armed men pulled up nearby and began making threats.
One masked man allegedly held a pole while another wielded a hammer and knife during the public order incident last month, which is now the subject of a “thorough investigation” by police.
The entrance to a block of flats was also smashed during the incident, which unfolded opposite Coniston Primary School at around 4pm on May 18.
An arrest has been made, and police are now seeking to reassure residents and urge any witnesses who have not already come forward to do so.
Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Stephen Baines said: “We are aware this incident has caused some concern in the community, but we want to assure residents that a thorough investigation is being carried out, and we do not expect there to be any threat to the wider public.
“We know a number of people were in the area at the time of the incident, and we would appeal to anybody with information which could assist our investigation, no matter how trivial it may seem, to contact us.”
Avon and Somerset Police said two men reportedly parked a white Audi estate in a car park on the Parade, before getting out and “making threats to a group of people standing on green space beside Norton House”.
A force spokesperson said: “[They] approached the group with weapons, asking for the whereabouts of a man in a threatening manner.
“Glass to the front door of Norton House was also smashed during the incident and the offenders then fled the scene in a white Audi in the direction of Conniston Road.”
One of them was described as a white stocky man of around 5ft 2ins tall, estimated to be aged in his late 40s, with short grey hair and stubble. He was said to be “wearing black clothing and carrying a hammer and a knife”.
The second man was described to be tall, slim and around 25-35 years old. He was wearing shorts, a jacket, a blue face mask and was said to be carrying a black pole.
The police statement confirmed: “The incident happened near a school, which is unconnected to the investigation, and there were no physical injuries.”
A man has been arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of affray and criminal damage. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.