A chilling scene unfolded at Reading College as a sudden lockdown gripped the campus, sending ripples of fear through students and staff. The alert wasn't a drill; it was a real and immediate threat, prompting teachers to swiftly secure classrooms and protect those within.
Screens across the college flashed the stark message: “Please enter lockdown. This is not a drill.” The directive to secure rooms and keep students safe underscored the gravity of the situation, transforming the familiar learning environment into a place of anxious uncertainty.
Witness accounts began to emerge, painting a picture of chaos and concern. One individual, having left the grounds, described a disturbing scene – students lying on the floor as the campus went into full lockdown. A sense of vulnerability permeated the air.
Parents, understandably frantic, were met with a pre-recorded message offering cautious reassurance. Authorities confirmed an incident involving a student who had sustained injuries, thankfully not life-threatening, and that police were on the scene.
Emergency services descended upon the college, paramedics rushing to provide medical attention. The arrival of ambulances signaled the seriousness of the event, amplifying the anxiety felt by those inside and outside the building.
Thames Valley Police confirmed an arrest had been made in connection with the incident. The injured student was receiving hospital treatment, and officers remained on site to address concerns and provide information to anyone affected.
Despite initial reports suggesting a major incident, police clarified that the situation did not meet that categorization. This distinction, however, did little to quell the underlying tension and the lingering questions surrounding the day’s events.
As the lockdown gradually lifted, students were slowly released, carrying with them the weight of a frightening experience. The campus, once a hub of learning, was left to grapple with the aftermath of a day marked by fear and uncertainty.
