Armed police swoop on Northampton College after reports of teenager wielding knife in broad daylight

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police officers were called to St Gregory’s Road, Northampton, at about 12.20pm on Thursday January 8 to reports of a boy in possession of a knife.

“A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody at this time.

“No one was injured during the incident and officers located the suspect in less than 25 minutes from the original call.

“We’d like to thank Northampton College for their support during this deployment.

“The local community may see an increased neighbourhood policing presence in the area in the coming days to offer reassurance.”

Students reportedly received a text message from the college stating: “Northampton College can confirm that police were called to our Booth Lane campus today. The situation is now fully resolved and there is no ongoing risk.”

Principal of Northampton College, Jason Lancaster, said: “Northampton College can confirm that police were called to our Booth Lane campus at 12.20pm today.

“The situation is now fully resolved and an individual has been detained. Nobody was harmed during this incident and there is no ongoing risk.

“As always, the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff was paramount during this incident and we acted quickly on police advice to secure the site and remove staff and students from the immediate area.

“Text messages and emails were sent to all staff, students and their next of kin to inform them of the incident. Support is being offered to anyone who needs it. We appreciate the co-operation of everyone involved.”