Dover School Lockdown: Urgent Incident Prompts Evacuation
A secondary school in Dover, Kent, was forced to evacuate its premises on Tuesday morning after receiving an email making threats. Astor Secondary School, located in Astor Avenue, was placed on lockdown as an "urgent" incident was investigated.
According to a statement released by the school, parents were advised not to send their children to school as the site needed to be "thoroughly checked". The statement read: "We have been advised for the site to be cleared of staff and students immediately with further updates to follow. We will be sending students home that have already arrived; should there be any difficulties with this we will contact you directly. Please check with your child directly that they are aware of where they need to go." The school also warned parents that phone lines would be closed for the time being.
The incident prompted a swift response from Kent Police, who received a report at 7:37am on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. A Kent Police spokesman confirmed that officers attended the school to advise staff and provide reassurance. The email, which made threats against the school, is being treated as a non-credible threat, with enquiries into the correspondence ongoing.
In a statement, a Kent County Council spokesperson said: "Astor Secondary School received an email this morning (Tuesday 6 May 2025) making threats. Kent Police were notified, and their officers attended the school to advise staff and provide reassurance. The email is being treated as a non-credible threat and enquiries into the correspondence by Kent Police are ongoing. The school is open and parents have been contacted."
The Express understands that the school took swift action to ensure the safety of its students and staff. As reported by the Express, the school’s decision to evacuate the premises was made in conjunction with the police and other authorities.
The incident at Astor Secondary School highlights the ongoing concerns about school safety and the potential for threats to be made against educational institutions. According to the Express, schools across the UK have been targeted in recent years, with some pupils and staff experiencing violent incidents.
As the investigation into the email continues, parents and students will be eagerly awaiting further updates from the school and the authorities. The Express will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
The school’s administration has assured parents that the situation is being taken seriously and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved. As stated by the school, "We will be sending students home that have already arrived; should there be any difficulties with this we will contact you directly."
This recent incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and cooperation between schools, authorities, and parents in maintaining a safe learning environment. The Express will keep readers updated as this story unfolds.
Original Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2051155/dover-school-lockdown-urgent-incident
