Cumbria Police has arrested a man for ‘malicious communications’ after schools in West Cumbria went into lockdown after rumours of a potential threat.

This morning, Thursday January 5, West Lakes Academy, in Egremont and Thornhill Primary School were among several educational establishments to lockdown after ‘unconfirmed reports of a potential risk to students and staff’.

Cumbria Police initially confirmed: “We are aware of a series of phone calls and emails being made or sent to a number of organisations and educational sites in west Cumbria today. Officers are actively investigating and from enquiries so far we would like to reassure people there is no perceived threat to the public.”

Following this a spokesperson for West Lakes Academy explained they locked the school down, ensuring all children and staff were safe, as an ‘early precaution of running our lockdown procedures’.

At the time of the lockdown parents and guardians were urged not to go to the school to collect their children or call in order to keep lines clear.

However, soon after the lockdown was put in place, Cumbria Police released an update on the situation saying a man has, subsequently, been arrested.

A spokesperson for the police said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications following concerns in west Cumbria today in relation to a man allegedly with access to a firearm.

“While enquiries are still underway, there is no indication at this point that the individual ever had access to a firearm. There is no threat to the public. Officers will be speaking to those organisations affected by this incident to offer reassurance.”

Following the arrest West Lakes Academy said their lockdown procedure has been released and students ‘are moving to timetabled lessons in a calm and orderly manner’.