A MAN who was arrested in an incident which saw armed police called out, a school placed under lockdown, and a motorway slip road to be closed for four hours has been released on bail.

Police descended on Chepstow on Friday, November 10, causing Chepstow School to be placed under "precautionary lockdown" and the M48 eastbound slip road at junction two to be closed for around four hours.

The force said specially trained firearm officers were in attendance as a “precautionary measure” to ensure public and police safety.

Traffic was stopped around Newhouse roundabout while officers inspected Newhouse Farm Industrial Estate, eyewitnesses said.

At around 2pm, Gwent Police confirmed a 38-year-old man from the Chepstow area had been arrested.

That man has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

South Wales Argus: Chepstow School on Welsh Street

The force originally said the man was arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, but this has been updated to suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

A Gwent Police spokesperson said: “A 38-year-old man from the Chepstow area was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been released on bail and enquiries are ongoing.”

Lockdown

The events on Friday saw Chepstow School on Welsh Street impose a “precautionary lockdown” in accordance with police advice.

The school sent an email to pupils’ parents just after 2pm, saying an “emergency situation” had arisen and asking parents to refrain from contacting the school so communication with the emergency services could be prioritised.

South Wales Argus: Monmouthshire council has confirmed The Dell Primary School entered a 'short' lockdown

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council has confirmed The Dell Primary School, also on Welsh Street, initiated a short lockdown procedure of their own.

Some pupils were taking part in swimming lessons at the time but all activities continued as scheduled.

The council spokesperson said: “As a precaution, the Dell Primary initiated a lockdown procedure that was in effect for a short period. During this time, all school activities continued as scheduled for all learners, including swimming lessons.”