A MAN carrying a large kitchen knife was allegedly spotted approaching children outside a primary school earlier this week.
An urgent hunt is now underway after pupils at Hardwick Primary School in Banbury, Oxfordshire, reported the terrifying incident to staff.
They claim he approached one of the children while they were in Hardwick Park at around 4pm, causing them to leave and return home.
No children were hurt during the encounter, which has since been reported to Thames Valley Police.
In an update to parents, as reported by the Oxford Mail, the school said: “A group of children at Hardwick have reported to staff a concerning incident that occurred in Hardwick Park after school yesterday.
“When we receive such reports, we inform the police, families and our students and staff, so that they can remain vigilant.
“A group of our students have reported that on Tuesday, March 18 at approximately 4pm, the children witnessed a man wearing black clothes holding a large kitchen knife.”
The school’s statement added: “He approached one of the children and they left the park and returned home.”
Thames Valley Police said: “We are aware of reports circulating that a male with a knife was seen near to Hardwick Primary School, Banbury.
“This took place during the afternoon of Tuesday 18th March.
“Unfortunately the incident was not reported to us until the morning of the 19th March when the school have been informed and made contact with us.”
The force added: “Patrols were in place yesterday after school and no male matching the description given was located.
“These patrols will continue.
“The Banbury Neighbourhood Team are investigating this report and completing CCTV enquiries in the area to try and identify this male.”
Thames Valley Police added that the school had been supporting the investigation and had also provided safeguarding for children.
If you witnessed the incident or have any knowledge about it, contact the police, quoting reference 43250134251.
Thames Valley Police continued: “We would encourage anybody who witnesses somebody with a knife to call us on 999 at the time.
“We take reports of knife crime extremely seriously and will update further when we are in a position to do so.”
