A MAN who has been charged for carrying a bladed article outside a school in Slough has appeared in court.

Matthew Lennox, of Fairway Avenue, West Drayton, Hillingdon, was charged with one count each of possession of a bladed article and a Section 4A Public Order offence.

The incident happened outside St Joseph’s Catholic School, Shaggy Calf Lane, Slough where there were concerns raised of an intruder on the premises on March 27.

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The 24-year-old was remanded in custody and appeared at Reading Magistrates Court yesterday (March 28).

His case has now been referred to Reading Crown Court to be heard on April 24.

After concerns were raised, the building was put into lockdown and Thames Valley Police acted swiftly to resolve the situation.

A spokesperson from the school said: “Earlier today an intruder managed to get into part of our school’s building.

“The individual was immediately seen by staff members, and the school went into lockdown while police were called.

“This is a process that all schools practice, in a similar way to a fire drill, and something we have done regularly in the past. Students and staff should be praised for following the procedure perfectly.

“At no point did the intruder come into direct contact with any students, and all were safe while the police contained the situation.

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“The individual concerned was removed from site by the police, and the school is now returning to normal. Support is being offered should any student feel they need to talk about the events of this morning.

“Contrary to some reports on social media, it is important to stress that the intruder did not have a firearm.”