Explosive ordnance disposal officers were scrambled to a special educational needs school in Greater Manchester on Friday morning after a pupil brought in what was described as a Second World War-style device intended for a classroom show and tell.
Samuel Laycock School on Broadoak Road in Ashton-under-Lyne was the scene of a significant emergency response after Greater Manchester Police received reports of the item shortly after the school day began. Officers arrived within minutes, and EOD specialists were deployed alongside other emergency services as a precautionary measure.
The school, which is operated by New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust and supports 239 pupils aged 11 to 16 with moderate and severe learning difficulties and autism spectrum condition, was not evacuated. Staff were instead advised to move pupils to a place of safety within the building while checks were carried out.
Following an assessment by EOD officers, the device was confirmed to be non-viable — identified as an empty illumination flare. It has since been removed from the premises, and the scene was declared clear. All pupils and staff were confirmed safe.
New Bridge MAT was clear in its account of how the item came to be at the school. A spokesperson said the device had been brought in “with the intention of being displayed as show and tell,” adding that “no harm was intended to any students or staff.” The trust said parents and families were informed at the earliest opportunity, and praised both staff and pupils for their conduct throughout the incident.
Chief Inspector Tim Rudd, who managed the scene, said the report had been “taken extremely seriously” from the outset. “Officers responded swiftly, and all appropriate steps were taken to safeguard pupils and staff,” he said, thanking parents for remaining calm and school staff for their cooperation during the response. “All pupils and staff are safe, and we are grateful for the support shown as we worked to bring the situation to a safe conclusion,” he added.
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed the scene is now closed and that no further action at the site is required following EOD’s assessment.
