Police have issued a full update over the big operation in Malton which saw schools going into lockdown today (Thursday).
Armed officers and the police helicopter were called in after a worried member of the public saw a man acting suspiciously and carrying a weapon near a school at about midday.
That school then launched its lockdown procedure, and contacted others who did the same.
But following a search of the area and investigation, police say there is “no heightened threat to the public or schools in the area”.
Officers have been posted outside schools to provide reassurance and engaging with worried parents and students.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Paul Gibson-Hodges, said: “We completely understand the worry and panic this incident has caused, nothing upsets us more than thinking children are at risk and we now know this is not the case.
“A man was seen with a weapon, possibly an encased shotgun, by a member of the public near a school in the town.
“Further investigation has suggested the man left the area and headed towards a rural location away from people and property.
“At no point has the man spoken to anyone or made any suggestion anyone was at risk.
“The schools should be praised for their quick-thinking to protect their pupils and staff from potential harm.
“However, we do ask that members of the public refrain from speculating about this incident as this is likely to cause more distress to the children in the area.”
How drama unfolded
This lunchtime North Yorkshire Police said they were responding to a report from a member of the public about a “vehicle in suspicious circumstances”.
A force spokesperson said at 12.19pm: “We’re asking people to avoid the Highfield Road and Old Malton Road area for the time being, while we work to make sure everyone is safe.”
People in the town then reported some schools going into lockdown.
One said on Facebook at 12.51pm: “My mum is inside Malton Primary – they’re all still on lockdown at the moment, no one in or out.”
Another said St Mary’s School was “in lockdown procedure”.
And a third said they’d had an “email from school says that they are in lockdown and no one is to ring the school so the lines can be kept free for police use”.
The procedure was said to be “just a precaution” in the email.
By 1pm at least one parent was reporting an update from St Mary’s saying the lockdown had been lifted.
Another shared this message from Norton Community Primary School head teacher Liz Parker, sent at 1.27pm: “School is now no longer in lockdown, all children are safe and well.
“Please pick your children up as normal.”
Happily, the incident is now over and everyone is safe. Sgt Gibson-Hodges said: “If you are a parent of a child in one of the effected schools you may want to talk to your child about this incident.
“There are lots of websites with excellent information on how to approach difficult subjects, including CBeebies and the NSPCC.”