Police arrest man after threatening phone call forces Northampton primary school into lockdown

Earl Spencer Primary School in Northampton initiated a lockdown on the morning of September 23 after a caller made threatening remarks over the phone. The school promptly followed its safeguarding protocol and contacted Northamptonshire Police, who launched an inquiry. Later that evening, officers from another force arrested a 46-year-old man from London on suspicion of malicious communications, and he remains in custody.

Chief Inspector Nic Davis-Lyons expressed confidence that the arrest would ease concerns among the school community and noted that officers will continue to patrol the area for reassurance. A separate, unrelated incident saw St James Primary School placed in an emergency lockdown after a man was seen with what appeared to be a firearm, later identified as a toy. Authorities thanked the schools for their swift actions and urged anyone with further concerns to contact local officers.