School cancels Christmas show after security fears

A school for children with special educational needs and disabilities cancelled its Christmas production due to safety concerns.

Market Field School in Elmstead Market, Essex, was put into emergency lockdown after a man was seen "behaving erratically" near its grounds on Monday.

Head teacher Ruth Whitehead told parents the man may have had a knife and described the incident as "frightening", but praised pupils' "phenomenal resilience".

Speaking about cancelling the Christmas show, she said: "We are incredibly sad to have had to do this, but keeping children safe was paramount."

Essex Police said it was investigating the incident and stressed no threats or harm had been reported against school staff or pupils.

The school, which caters for children with moderate learning difficulties, was locked down after the man was seen outside its building in School Road at about 08:20 GMT.

Safety measures were lifted three hours later, but further sightings of the individual led to them being reimposed.

All children were safely released at the end of the day, and police offered extra patrols on Tuesday.

Ms Whitehead said ongoing "enhanced security arrangements" meant the Christmas production by key stages three and four would not go ahead.

"I am sorry for the disappointment caused, but hope that you can understand our decision," the head wrote in a letter shared with the BBC.

She said performances would instead be recorded and uploaded to a school communication platform.

"I am incredibly proud of all our staff and children for the phenomenal resilience they have shown today," the head teacher added.

"We will think of a way to reward our children for showing all of the school values."

Ms Whitehead praised the "phenomenal response" of staff and thanked Essex Police for its work.

In a statement on Monday, the force said its officers were trying to find the man involved.

It added: "If anyone has any concerns, please speak to officers."

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