Armed police attend Grouville School after “potential safety concern”

ARMED police were deployed to Grouville Primary School yesterday after a “potential safety concern” prompted the school to activate its emergency procedures.

Pupils remained safely inside the school while officers carried out enquiries following the report, which was made to States police.

Authorities later confirmed there was no credible threat.

Police did not respond to queries about whether yesterday’s concerns were related to an incident at the school in February, when an unknown man allegedly approached a pupil.

A statement from the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department said: “We understand that yesterday’s incident has caused concern for some families and we would like to offer reassurance.

“Following a report of a potential safety concern near Grouville school, Jersey Police were contacted immediately, and the school implemented its established safety procedures as a precaution. Pupils remained safely supervised on site while enquiries were carried out.

“Police attended promptly and, working in partnership with the school and CYPES, confirmed that there was no credible threat and no risk to pupils, staff, or the wider community.”

Staff were praised for their handling of the incident.

“The safety and wellbeing of children and staff is always our highest priority,” the statement added.

“We are reassured that the school’s procedures were followed effectively and would like to thank staff for their calm and professional response, and pupils for the mature way in which they responded.”

The statement also acknowledged that the incident had caused concern among families but stressed that established safeguarding measures had worked as intended.

“While incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern, parents can be reassured that appropriate action was taken throughout and that schools have robust procedures in place to protect children and staff whenever a potential risk is identified.

“We will continue to work closely with schools and Jersey Police to ensure the ongoing safety of our school communities.”