Rickmansworth School lockdown after 'man forced into vehicle'

Police have confirmed the incident is what caused Rickmansworth School to be temporarily locked down this afternoon after enquiries led officers to a nearby address.

The force said it was initially called at around midday to reports of a man being forced into a vehicle in Beechwood Rise before being driven off.

Read more: Rickmansworth School 'locked down' for police search

They added that no weapons were seen.

“Fast time enquiries” led to an address near the school, in Croxley Green, and when police arrived three men fled but were quickly caught and arrested.

The distance between Rickmansworth School and Beechwood Rise. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

The victim had returned home safely and is currently with police.

Police have said they will confirm what the men were arrested on suspicion of when they are booked into custody.

Update here: How a police kidnap report forced a school into lockdown

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “Enquiries are continuing at this time, but this is currently believed to be an isolated incident, with no threat to the wider public.”

The school confirmed, in an email to parents, that the lockdown was implemented “in order to keep your children safe” and the incident was unrelated to the school, but that police were searching nearby buildings including an area of the site.

One parent told the Watford Observer his son’s class had to hide under their desks during the lockdown.

He added that social media posts have reportedly been circulating among students showing a man in handcuffs and numerous police cars near the school.

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