False Alarm Report: Armed Intruder at Swedish School Turns Out to Be a Hoax
A terrifying situation unfolded at a school in Västerås, Sweden on Thursday as police were alerted to an armed person entering the building at lunchtime. Around 300 students and teachers were confined to the school while an extensive search effort was carried out.
The police, along with a task force, conducted a thorough search of the premises but found nothing. Finally, at 2:30 p.m., the first students were allowed to leave the school and the entire lockdown was lifted.
After investigating the matter, the police have confirmed that there was no actual threat to the school.
“We have had both dog patrols, the task force and many police patrols on site. Since then, the ambulance and emergency services have been ready nearby. Huge resources are being wasted,” said police spokesperson Magnus Jansson Klarin. “When an armed person can be in the building, we can never take any chances. We have to act like it’s sharp mode.”
Earlier in the day, there were reports of a stabbing at another school in the city, which turned out to be a false alarm as well. A concern report was made to social services, and while there are no suspects at this time, the investigation into the incidents continues.
Åsa Lundkvist, head of the municipality’s children and education administration, expressed concern over the situation, saying, “It not only creates incredible anxiety and insecurity. We also cannot conduct our teaching in a good way.”
Despite the alarming situation, Lundkvist commended the schools and the police for their handling of the incident, stating, “We have to take every alarm seriously and the schools acted well. The close collaboration with the police worked well.”
While the false alarms caused significant disruptions and fear, authorities are relieved that there was ultimately no danger posed to the students and teachers.