UPDATED: Armed police reported at Doncaster primary school after incident at gates

One eyewitness told how two men in a blue Volvo had driven up to Sandringham Primary School, Intake, before getting out of the car and launching an attack on another adult, on the school premises.

Police arrived at the school within minutes of the incident, with an ambulance also reported on the site after the incident, which happened at around 8.50am, when many pupils were arring for the start of the school day.

The school this morning told the Free Press everyone at the school was unhurt after the incident, and said that a statement would be issued through the local authority later.

One eyewitness said they had seen a blue Volvo with two people inside, with one of them hanging out of the window wearing a balaclava and shouting.

It was described as being driven out of the health centre car park opposite the school.

The eyewitness said they had got out of the car, and a fight appeared to have broken out, adding he had not stayed around to watch.

He said the violence had spilled through the outer gates of the school into part of the school grounds, but added a quick thinking member of staff had closed another, inner set of gates to prevent it spilling further into the site.

He said: “It was awful – one of the teachers who had been at the gate to check on things like masks seemed to get caught up in the middle of it.

“A lot of people seemed to be very shaken up.

"I don’t know who it was aimed at. But they rushed in and didn’t seem to care that it was full of six year olds and five year olds – it was awful. My son just went into school saying ‘daddy, there are baddies’.

“I just thought the caretaker did a really good job in getting the gate closed so quickly.

"The police arrived quickly – it was armed police officers in balaclavas who arrived.

"It was horrible to see for the kids. I can't believe what happened.”

Parents and grandparents of pupils at the school have this morning been commenting on the incident on social media.

One parent said on social media that the school had sent them a text after the incident stating: “There is an ongoing police presence in school and the children are receiving pastoral support.”

A grandparent of a pupil added: “My granddaughter is in this school and when my daughter got the text my heart sank”

Another added: “The Sandringham Primary School did a fantastic job at keeping kids safe, and a message was sent to parents as soon as able to, letting them know an incident happened but all children are safe and well. Fantastic work by staff and SYP.”

South Yorkshire Police and Doncaster Council have been approached for comment about the incident.

We will update the story today as more information emerges.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.