Increased patrols around schools and nearby parks: Wakefield Police issue safety message over online ‘Red vs Blue School Wars’ rumours
Police in Wakefield have issued a message to parents and school pupils following the emergence of social media rumours about so-called “Red vs Blue school wars” in the district.
Similar rumours have circulated in other parts of West Yorkshire and across the country in recent weeks.
At this time, Wakefield officers have confirmed that there is no evidence to suggest these claims are true in the district.
Parents, students and school staff are being reassured that the situation is being actively monitored, but that there is no indication of any such activity taking place locally.
Schools and their safeguarding leads have also confirmed they have no information to support the claims.
As an added measure of reassurance, members of the public may notice increased patrols around schools and nearby parks over the coming days.
And police are encouraging the public to be cautious about sharing or relying on unverified information online which can understandably raise concerns in the community.
Chief Inspector Emma Hooks said: “We know how quickly rumours can spread online, but we want to reassure families that there is currently no evidence of these claims in our area. I would therefore urge people not to share these social media posts.
“I’m concerned that their circulation on social media may prompt a reaction from pupils and would ask parents and carers to talk to their children about the dangers of taking action such as carrying knives in response.
“Even carrying a knife for protection puts young people at an increased risk of harm to themselves and to others. There is also a risk of arrest, prosecution and a criminal record.”
Please report any concerns to schools or contact police by calling 101 or online via https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat