An angry parent is demanding to know why a Keighley school hushed up the appearance of an intruder who was carrying a case of knives.

John Edwards, 34, of Elmwood Road, Ingrow, wants Ingrow Primary School to explain why it has not notified parents about an intruder who was found on school premises last Thursday, at around 3.30pm, carrying an aluminium case containing a set of knives.

Mr Edwards only found out about the intruder after getting hold of an internal school letter to staff stating that the man had gained entrance to the school through an unlocked door. After contacting head teacher Pam Aston about the matter, Mr Edwards says he felt fobbed off with the school's explanation that the man was a chef looking for employment.

In the light of the incident, Mr Edwards, whose three children, Pagan, nine, Gemma, nine, and Joel, five, attend the school, has voiced serious concerns about safety at Ingrow and similar primary schools in Keighley.

He says: "The school doesn't think this is anything to be concerned about and hasn't notified parents, but we think it is incredibly important that it shouldn't be swept under the carpet.

"If there is a prowler around here, the school needs to notify parents and any other schools in the area so they can be on the look out for him. I'm concerned about the safety of not just my children, but all kids in local schools. At the end of the day kids should know what this man looks like and that they shouldn't be talking to him.

"We always think it won't happen to our children, but it could, so surely it is better to prevent something before it does happen." He adds: "The school tried to fob us off with a story that he was a trainee chef looking for somewhere to doss down, but I don't believe that for one second.

"Surely if you are looking for a job you'd go to a job centre or ring up the school, you don't turn up with your tools.

"We were also told that they held him at the school, and yet we have heard that the man ran off. All we want to know is what happened."

The Keighley News approached the school but it declined to comment on the issue.

In its security memo, staff are warned to be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious characters to the school office, head or deputy head.

It also stresses the need to keep doors locked at all times, especially before and after school. The letter also goes on to point out that the very good security at the school is only as good as the people operating it.

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