Police probe after Doncaster girl chased by man with knife on school trip
The female pupil was reportedly chased by a man wielding a knife
A police investigation is under way after a female Doncaster pupil on a school trip was chased through woods by a man with a knife.
Year 10 pupils from Danum Outwood Academy were on a trip to Hesley Wood activity centre near Chapeltown when the incident took place yesterday lunchtime.
Officers are now probing the incident and the school has said it is helping police with the investigation.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “At 1.17pm yesterday (Thursday 15 October), we were called to reports of suspicious circumstances at Hesley Wood off White Lane.
“It is reported that an unknown man in possession of a knife attempted to chase a girl at the location.
“Officers attended the scene and carried out an area search for the man to no gain, and no weapon was found.
“Enquiries are ongoing and if you have any information that could help our investigation, you can get in touch online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 430 of 15 October 2026.”
One concerned parent said: “One of the girls was approached and chased by a man with a large knife.
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“The teenager managed to get away and alert the organisers and teachers.”
A message sent to parents by Outwood principal Amanda Crane and seen by the Free Press reads: “Following the trip out today, we would like to give you the information that we have so far.
“While on the Orienteering Trip at Hesley Wood Activity Centre, one individual student reported that they had seen a person with knife walking in the woods.
“The child then reported this straight to a member of staff, which then informed the centre.
“The children were taken to a safe area, registered and supervised.
“The centre sent out their site yeam to check the areas and the police were called, arrived and actively searched the area.
“No person matching the description was found. All children returned safe and well and we thank the children and staff for their proactive response.
“This is now a police matter. The pupil who reported the incident has given a statement to the police and we are working with them also.”
The outdoor adventure centre spans acres of natural woodland and is primarily run by the Scouts but is open to schools, youth organisations, and community groups looking for team-building and outdoor education.