Runshaw College stabbing: Six arrested after armed gang in masks threatens students and knifes teenager in Lancashire

School had received anonymous tip-off that armed men were planning to confront ‘rival group’

Six people have been arrested after an armed gang entered a Lancashire college and began “shouting at and confronting students”.

Police said a 17-year-old boy was knifed in the arm after 12 young men, some carrying blades, faced off with a “rival group” at Runshaw College in Leyland, near Preston.

School staff received an anonymous tip-off at 10.40am on Monday that an armed group was travelling to the sixth-form college on a train from Manchester.

Lancashire Police sent two officers to the campus ahead of pupils leaving at the end of the day. They called for back-up after about 12 people arrived at 4pm in a Volkswagen Polo, a Vauxhall Astra and a Nissan Micra.

Some of the group were carrying knives and threatening students, the force said.

A 17-year-old boy suffered a cut to the arm and was taken to Chorley Hospital. His injuries were not thought to be serious.

The armed group fled from the college when further officers arrived.

Chief inspector Gary Crowe said: “Thankfully only one person suffered a minor injury but it could have been much worse.

“To those who think it is acceptable to behave like violent thugs, my message is clear. You are not welcome in Leyland and we do not tolerate this kind of shocking, deplorable behaviour.

“Our investigation is ongoing and we made four arrests just after the incident happened, close to the scene. A further two arrests have followed this evening and we now think we have the three vehicles which were involved.

“We know that others were involved in this – from both sides of the altercation – and I have a number of officers working on finding out who they are.”

Police said the disorder was “related to a personal issue between two members of each group” and there was no indication further fights were planned.

The school was set to reopen as usual on Tuesday, with police posted in the area for reassurance.