School in Essex cancels Christmas production because of 'security arrangements'
Market Field School in Elmstead Market was put into emergency lockdown yesterday (Monday 8 December)
A school in Essex has cancelled its Christmas production because of "security arrangements".
Market Field School in Elmstead Market was put into emergency lockdown yesterday (Monday 8 December) after a man was seen "behaving erratically" near its grounds.
Head teacher Ruth Whitehead told parents in a letter the man may have had a knife and described the incident as "frightening", but said she was "proud of all the staff and children for the phenomenal resilience".
Speaking about cancelling the Christmas show, she said: "Due to enhanced security arrangements this week, we have taken the sad but necessary step of cancelling our KS3 and KS4 Christmas Production. We are incredibly sad to have had to do this, but keeping children safe was paramount."
On Monday, Essex Police said they were aware of reports and sightings of a man behaving erratically in the vicinity of School Road, near the school.
Officers say they've been carrying out enquiries to locate anyone matching the description given.
In a statement, Essex Police said: "There has been no threats or harm reported against school staff or pupils, but steps have rightly been taken as a precaution.
"If anyone has any concerns, please speak to officers.
"If you have any information, let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week."