Armed police hunt 'man with machete' as Skelmersdale primary school locked down

Armed police hunt 'man with machete' as Skelmersdale primary school locked downArmed police descended on Skelmersdale in Lancashire on Thursday afternoon after a report of a man thought to be in possession of a macheteCommentsNewsBen Haslam and Eliana Nunes News Reporter19:04, 16 Apr 2026Updated 19:19, 16 Apr 2026View ImagePolice received a report of a man thought to be in possession of a machete on Birch Green Road in Skelmersdale (Image: Google Maps)Armed police descended on a Lancashire town after a man was reportedly seen wielding a machete.‌Police received a report of a man thought to be in possession of a machete on Birch Green Road in Skelmersdale shortly after 3pm on Thursday. Armed officers attended and searched the area, with a police helicopter also believed to have been deployed. Following the report, Woodland Community Primary School was advised to keep children on the premises before they were due to be dismissed from its after-school club, Liverpool Echo reports.‌Writing on Facebook, headteacher Keeley Taberner said: "Thank you to our school community (parents, carers, children and staff) who responded quickly, when school was advised to keep the children on the premises just before dismissal from after school club. It was reassuring that the measures we have in place worked effectively."‌A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We received a report of a man thought to be in possession of a machete on Birch Green Road in Skelmersdale shortly after 3:05pm today."Officers, including armed officers attended and searched the area. We know this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that you will see our officers out and about. Please don’t hesitate to approach them if you have any concerns or information."Article continues belowEnquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 0885 of April 16.