Police have said they ‘fully understand how concerning this incident may have been for parents and members of the local community’
A 41-year-old man was arrested near a nursery and secondary school in Preston, East Yorkshire, on Tuesday. The alarm was raised in Station Road at around 2.35pm following a report of a man removing something, believed to be a weapon, from a bag.
Holderness Academy told parents it had been prepared to go into a lockdown, but said the quick action of Humberside Police meant this was not necessary. It said the school day continued without disruption and both pupils and staff were safe.
When officers located the man, a screwdriver was found in the backpack. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
The man was also arrested on suspicion of using abusive language with intent to cause fear of violence after it was alleged he “shouted verbal abuse towards a member of the public”. Humberside Police said it could understand parents’ worry over the incident.
However, after the force investigated the matter further, it was discovered the man had not committed any crimes. He was released without charge.
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Tom Stevens said: “On Tuesday, 23 September 2025, officers were called to attend Station Road in Preston following reports of a man believed to be holding a suspected weapon. At around 2.35pm, it is reported that a man was seen sitting on a bench opposite a nursery and was subsequently seen removing an item from a backpack, which was thought to be a weapon.
“Officers responded swiftly, where they located the man and following a search of the backpack, they reportedly recovered a screwdriver. The 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
“The man was further arrested on suspicion of using abusive language with intent to cause fear of violence after it was alleged that he shouted verbal abuse towards a member of the public prior to the arrival of officers. We fully understand how concerning this incident may have been for parents and members of the local community.
“Please be reassured that officers carried out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the report. While a 41-year-old man was arrested, following detailed enquiries, we can confirm that no offences were committed, and the man has since been released without charge.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and reassurance of our communities and would always encourage anyone to report their concerns by speaking to local officers or by calling our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”
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