Gun terror alert at Wigan high school was a "hoax" say police

Police who locked down a Wigan school after threats were made of a gun attack have concluded that it was a hoax.
By Charles Graham
Published 22nd Nov 2021, 17:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Armed police descended on Golborne High and pupils were made to sit on the floor for two hours on the morning of Monday November 22 after it was reported that someone had been online saying they had a gun and would attack the Lowton Road premises.

Searches were made of the school and the surrounding area and eventually it was decided that it was safe enough to send all the students home for the rest of the day.

They left class by class to be met by anxious parents.

Parents and police outside the school as the lockdown endedParents and police outside the school as the lockdown ended
Parents and police outside the school as the lockdown ended
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inquiries continued and on the late afternoon of the same day, Greater Manchester Police released the following statement: "At around 10.42am this morning (November 22) police received a report online of what is now believed to be a hoax, from an individual claiming that they were going to attend a school on Lowton Road, Golborne, in possession of a firearm.

"Officers attended and it was established that there was no one with a firearm present in the area.

"Inquiries are ongoing.

"Police patrols will be in the area for reassurance so please do not hesitate to speak to them if you have any concerns or questions."

A heavy police presence remained at the school after the pupils had all been evacuatedA heavy police presence remained at the school after the pupils had all been evacuated
A heavy police presence remained at the school after the pupils had all been evacuated

Anyone with information about the threat is asked to ring the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.