Rochdale school plunged into emergency lockdown as pupils evacuated over ‘bomb’

A bomb threat at a school in Rochdale saw pupils put into lockdown this morning.

St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic High School launched emergency procedures as a “precautionary measure” after a call came in this morning. School buildings were evacuated.

Units from Greater Manchester Police descended on the secondary school on Shaw Road. Officers say the call was likely a hoax.

Members of the public have been asked to avoid speculation on social media regarding 'false rumours' of intruders or weapons found on school grounds, Manchester Evening News reports . St Cuthbert's is expected to open again as normal on Monday.

A spokesperson for St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic High School said: "Earlier this morning staff at St Cuthbert’s RC Secondary School in Rochdale received a communication detailing a possible bomb threat to the premises.

"The emergency services were called and all school buildings were evacuated as a precautionary measure. All children and staff are safe and accounted for, in line with our established procedures.

"Greater Manchester Police attended and parents and carers were notified immediately that their children had been removed to a safe distance and there was no threat or danger to anyone present.

"We would like to assure everyone within the St Cuthbert’s School community that the safety and wellbeing of our children remains our absolute priority. Specialist security operatives will conduct a full sweep of the building this afternoon to confirm if any further actions are required.

"Currently, the expectation is that the school will be open as normal on Monday 19 October - but further information will be communicated as needed when received.

"Parents and carers can now attend the school to collect their children, or provide consent for their children to travel home. We’d like to thank parents, carers and colleagues for their understanding and co-operation in this matter.

"We’d also urge people to avoid speculation on social media - particularly regarding false rumours, such as any referring to intruders or weapons being present on school premises. More details will be communicated when appropriate, following consultation with Greater Manchester Police and the local authority."

A GMP spokesperson said: "The school implemented a lockdown in response to a suspicious call. Officers attended and carried out an assessment which indicated that the call was a likely hoax.