London man arrested after Earl Spencer Primary School lockdown
The 46‑year‑old was taken into custody on suspicion of malicious communications after a threatening call forced the Northampton school on Streatfield Road into lockdown on 23 September 2026.
Northamptonshire Police arrested a 46‑year‑old man from London on suspicion of malicious communications after a threatening phone call forced Earl Spencer Primary School on Streatfield Road into lockdown at about 11:15 am on 23 September 2026. The school activated its emergency procedures, secured pupils and staff, and alerted the police, who arrived within minutes.
Background to the lockdown
Earl Spencer Primary School follows a strict safeguarding protocol that requires an immediate lockdown when a credible threat is received. The call, described by the school as coming from an unknown number, warned of potential danger, prompting staff to lock doors and keep children in safe rooms while police assessed the risk. Officers from a neighbouring force area detained the suspect later that evening.
“We hope that the arrest made this evening will provide reassurance to pupils, parents and school staff, as well as the wider community.”
Unrelated incident at St James Primary
Later the same day, St James Primary School, also in Northampton, entered an emergency lockdown after a man was spotted carrying what appeared to be a firearm. Police later confirmed the object was a toy gun, and the incident was treated as unrelated to the earlier threat at Earl Spencer. Both schools resumed normal activities after officers cleared the scenes.
Police reassurance measures
Chief Inspector Nic Davis‑Lyons said neighbourhood policing officers will remain at Earl Spencer Primary for the coming days to offer reassurance and answer any concerns. He encouraged parents and staff to approach the officers with questions. The police force thanked the school for its swift safeguarding response and for cooperating with the investigation.
Questions this report answers
01Why was the school locked down?
A threatening phone call was received at Earl Spencer Primary School on 23 September 2026, prompting staff to activate lockdown procedures at about 11:15 am. The call was deemed credible, so police were called to secure the premises.
02What happened to the man who made the call?
Police arrested a 46‑year‑old man from London later that evening on suspicion of malicious communications. He remains in custody while investigators continue to examine the call and any related evidence.
03Will there be police presence at the school after the incident?
Chief Inspector Nic Davis‑Lyons confirmed that local neighbourhood policing officers will stay at Earl Spencer Primary School for several days to reassure pupils, parents and staff, and to field any further concerns.
04Was the incident at St James Primary School related?
Authorities stated the lockdown at St James Primary School was unrelated. It was triggered by a man carrying a toy gun, which was later identified as a non‑lethal replica, and no link to the Earl Spencer threat was found.
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