Waltham Abbey school safety concerns
Essex Police has responded to concerns circulating on social media regarding a man allegedly acting suspiciously around schools in Waltham Abbey.
Police have confirmed that no individuals have improperly accessed or attempted to access any schools in Waltham Abbey on Thursday 18 September. Reports suggesting otherwise are untrue.
The Police statement says:
We are aware of concerns circulating on social media suggesting a man acting suspiciously on the grounds of schools in Waltham Abbey.
Some commentary is also suggesting a man had attempted to gain access to schools in the area.
The above claims are untrue.
No individuals have improperly accessed or attempted to access schools in Waltham Abbey on Thursday 18 September.
Residents will have noticed an increased policing presence in the area.
This is because we have received reports of a man sleeping rough and interfering with parked vehicles in Waltham Abbey, and officers have been deployed to find this person.
No offences, threats or issues relating to school property, staff or pupils have been reported.
Officers have been in consistent contact with schools throughout Thursday 18 September to offer reassurance.
It is important to repeat that no threat or suggestion of harm, either physical or otherwise, has been reported against any members of the public, or members of any school communities in Waltham Abbey in relation to this suspect.
We do understand that communities have fears and concerns but we ask them to contact us and we can allay those.
Turning to an incident involving the same suspect – who is a rough sleeper – accessing school grounds in Loughton on Wednesday 17 September.
This has been subject to widespread and inaccurate comment, and further clarity is needed.
This individual accessed an area of school playing field, where he was reported to be seen looking in the bins for food.
That is the extent of his reported behaviour.
Again, no threats and no suggestion of threats were reported, and the man immediately left when he was instructed to do so.
Officers attended and arrested him because he had an outstanding matter outside of Essex and with another force, relating to failing to attend court over an alleged public order offence.
We had no powers to remand him in custody for that particular allegation, and he was released on bail.
On each occasion relating to this suspect, we have swiftly attended, liaised with every person concerned, and worked to investigate any matter reported to us within the parameters of the law.
We all want the same things – safe communities for our children and for them to have a good education.
Please help us by: reporting things to us that are worrying you; checking our channels for our trusted and verified information; please share our information which is correct and verified; please remain calm, we do all we can each day to keep you safe; and finally policing is our job – let us catch bad people, please don’t do anything that will put yourself at risk.
This statement can also be read here: Waltham Abbey/Loughton: Statement on inaccurate claims | Essex Police
Essex Police urges residents to report concerns directly to them and to rely on verified information through official channels.
Visit the Essex Police website: News search | Essex Police
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