PARENTS and other members of the public have spoken out about the social media threats of violent disorder at Bradford schools.

Many expressed a hope that police could resolve the situation swiftly to prevent further anxiety for parents and pupils, urging officers to pull out all the stops to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

On Friday, Buttershaw Business & Enterprise College allowed parents to collect their children early as concerns mounted, while a police presence was put in place at the school.

Yesterday, police revealed that the threat had widened to include other schools across the Bradford district. New messages - thought to be from those behind the previous threats - prompted officers to speak with more schools across Bradford. Police patrols in and around schools were increased throughout yesterday. 

It comes against a backdrop of a string of incidents involving masked robbers armed with weapons in areas such as Wibsey. Public concern appears to have been fuelled by alarming social media posts, including one in which a male waves around a machete in woodland and another that contains a dire threat. 

Bradford District CID is investigating and a male has been arrested on suspicion of robbery offences. He has been bailed with conditions. 

Last night, one councillor urged people not to panic, saying she was confident in local policing teams and the police intelligence networks, as well as staff at schools.

However, the Telegraph & Argus Facebook page has been inundated with comments from concerned readers.

James Pearson said: "Parents are worried sick. I don’t see Bradford Council or any of our MPs condemning what is happening. It’s time West Yorkshire Police sorted this out."

Vicky Milner said: "The current sentences aren't a deterrent that's why these young ones feel invincible because there are no consequences to their actions."

Laura Burrows said: "It’s ok police patrolling schools - what about the kids that have to walk to school and back scared to death. "School should be closed until this is all dealt with."

Kirsty Hardcastle replied: "100% agree with you - all kids are scared to leave house never mind walking to and from school. Hope it gets sorted out ASAP."

Stuart Law said: "Mine are staying home tomorrow. I've more faith in my parenting than I do the police or the schools."

Some readers said they would have expected to see more arrests in light of the social media videos. 

Treacy Armstrong said: "You’re telling me that in the 21st century the police can’t trace where these videos are coming from???"

Karen Fieldhouse echoed that sentiment, saying: "Not quite sure what more proof or evidence they need as it’s all over social media !!!

Natalie Boyes said: "Causing concern to most Bradford parents, especially when there are posts circulating of said individuals going around other schools, I wouldn’t even call it concern I would call it panic, parents are panicking because they don’t feel like their children are safe going to school. Mine included! Especially not when there is videos circulating of kids carrying machetes, threatening to go to different schools each day of the week and in different areas … and clearly they are capable of using them since some poor lad was attacked."

Kelly Brosz said: "It's a joke now, they are giving the police and everyone the run around they need finding."

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said that people need to trust in the police to keep people safe and she urged residents "not to panic" or let social media "get a grip" on them in the wake of posts made in the Idle, Thackley and Wrose area of Bradford.

She said: "I'm confident in local policing teams and the police intelligence networks and as well as the staff at our schools.

"There's no need to panic or to let social media get a grip on you."

A post shared on all the Bradford Neighbourhood Policing Team Facebook pages yesterday afternoon said: "Police are aware of concerns following further social media messages suggesting that violent disorder is going to occur at schools across Bradford district.

"These messages are believed to have come from the same people who issued similar posts relating to a school in the Bradford South area last week and followed robbery offences in the same area.

"A male has been arrested for the robbery offences and has been bailed with conditions. This investigation is ongoing by Bradford District CID.

"No further incidents have been reported and officers are continuing to monitor the situation.

"In light of the new messages, officers are speaking with schools across the district and are increasing patrols in and around school premises.

"Anyone with concerns is advised to contact their local neighbourhood policing team."