‘Upon hearing this news, we immediately contacted police’
Kim Horton Senior Reporter
13:58, 28 Jun 2025
Headteacher at Merchants Academy, Guy Swallow(Image: Merchants Academy)
Measures had to be put in place to protect pupils at a Bristol school following reports a car in the area had been shooting pellets at pedestrians. Teachers were alerted to the situation and police were called to attend and patrolled the area.
The incident is reported to have happened in the area of Merchants’ Academy Secondary which is located in Withywood. Teachers were alerted to the news someone had been shooting pellets from the car on social media nearing the end of the school day.
Teachers at the school worked to ensure the pupils were safe upon leaving the school. The headteacher later wrote to parents and carers of the young people who attend the setting.of pupils following reports of a car in the area driving round shooting pellets at passers-by.
Merchants’ Academy Secondary headteacher, Guy Swallow, wrote saying: “Dear Parents/Carers, just before the end of the school day at around 2.40pm, Merchants’ Academy Secondary staff were made aware of unconfirmed social media reports of a car driving around Hareclive Road potentially firing pellets at pedestrians.
“Upon hearing this news, we immediately contacted police via phone, who provided both presence around our school and conducted patrols of local roads.
“To ensure that no crowds of students built up at gateways, which could have presented a possible target for a vehicle, students were dismissed from a variety of exits, all of which were heavily staffed with school colleagues.
“During this time we communicated with Merchants’ Academy Primary, Venturers’ Academy and Hareclive Primary colleagues. Whilst your child may not have full knowledge of the events of the past hour (because we have aimed to keep students calm), I wanted to update you all.”
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