‘This isn’t a game and police need to find the culprits’
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Parents say they will keep their children away from school this week after a shooting threat was posted online. The anonymous social media post, which first circulated over the weekend, claimed the shooting would happen at Babington Academy, in the Beaumont Leys area of Leicester this Thursday. (September 8)
The post, which has been widely shared online, says: “Warning all Babington students, if you have been added, this is your warning to not go school on Thursday. A shooting will take place at 2pm on Thursday at Babington Academy.”
The credibility of the threat is currently unknown, but it has left many parents fearful for their children’s safety. One mother, who did not wish to be named, said her 12-year-old son would not be allowed back in class until the matter was resolved.
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She said: “I am scared for my son's safety so will be personally picking him up [today]. [There’s] no chance he’s going back. I think kids should stay off just in case.”
A woman whose niece attends Babington said: “I'm completely shocked over this situation. I'm fearful for all lives involved, teachers and students. This isn't a game and police need to find the culprits and prosecute them harshly.”
In a joint statement, Babington Academy and Leicestershire Police said investigations into the post were ongoing. They have also called for calm in the community.
They said: “Yesterday (Monday, September 5) we were made aware of a post on social media suggesting a shooting may take place at Babington Academy. Together, the school and officers from the West Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area, (NPA), are working to identify the origins of the post and the person responsible.
"Officers will be carrying out regular patrols in the area. The school would like to reassure parents, guardians and staff that when incidents of this nature occur, appropriate procedures and processes are put in place to keep our community safe."
Anyone with information regarding the origins about the post is asked to call Leicestershire Police on 101, quoting reference 22*516614.
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