Panicked parents pulled their children out of Saddleworth School in Diggle, near Oldham, after false rumours spread online about a pupil brandishing a knife. The misinformation circulated over the weekend, prompting some parents to tell their children to leave school and come home.
Greater Manchester Police attended the scene but swiftly concluded there was 'no threat to the school or wider community'. Headteacher Mike Anderson dismissed the rumours as 'unfounded information', stating that enquiries found 'no evidence' to support them.
One worried mother said she was among several parents who were so alarmed they told their children to come home, expressing concerns 'about the safety of our children'. The school implemented standard safeguarding measures as a precaution while the situation was reviewed.
Mr Anderson said: 'This situation serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread on social media. The safety and wellbeing of our students remains paramount and underpins everything we do as a school.'
A police spokeswoman confirmed officers attended the school following reports that a pupil 'had a bladed weapon', but established it was a rumour with no threat.
