Plymouth primary school statement after man stabbed to death and murder probe launched in Ford

Ford Primary School has issued a statement on its website after a man was stabbed to death near the premises. A major police investigation has been underway in Ford since Monday afternoon (November 4) when a man suffered serious stab wounds in Cambridge Road.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 2.30pm. Despite the efforts of paramedics, a 36-year-old local man was pronounced dead at the scene. Devon and Cornwall Police are now hunting for two men, known to police, in connection with the incident.

Ford Primary School, at the corner of Cambridge Road and Melville Road, was open as usual to students this morning after the nearby incident yesterday. However, primary school leaders have said an open evening for its Early Years Foundation Stage has been postponed by a week, as the "most sensible and compassionate thing to do", the school wrote on its website.

School leaders said: "The incident outside school yesterday was however very unsettling. We wish to reassure all families that school is open as normal but extra provision is in place to support via agencies such as MAST (Multi-Agency Support Team), Church and colleagues from across LAT, Mayflower and Ford School."

A school newsletter continued: "We acknowledge that Ford, as a community, has already experienced a series of difficult events. This latest one will undoubtedly bring back feelings of unease and concern."

The letter, signed by headteacher Mr Sammels, head of school Mrs Sandey and assistant headteacher Mr Ogier, said that support has already been put in place for staff, pupils and parents. "Meetings have taken place with MAST, police and church.

"We have also taken a plethora of supportive calls and emails from parents and members of the community praising us for our management of this critical incident. We thank everyone who has taken the time to stay in touch and stay so positive, despite the obvious challenges.

"We are here for families to share their concerns as well. We are sure there are many questions, fears and worried that are surfacing for families."

There is a heightened police presence in Ford while investigations are ongoing and Cambridge Road and part of Alfred Road are still cordoned off. Devon and Cornwall Police Detective Chief Inspector Steve Fleetwood said: "Cordons are in place around Cambridge Road and police units remain in the area.

“I wish to make the public aware we are looking to locate two men in relation to this incident whose identities are known, and enquiries are ongoing to find them. At this time, I would like to reassure the community and further afield in Plymouth that there is no suggestion that there is a wider risk to members of the public.

“There will be a heightened police presence and visibility in the coming days in the area as enquiries are ongoing and we gather evidence to bring an offender to justice for the victim’s family.”

DCI Fleetwood went on to say: “I can confirm that a weapon that was potentially used in this incident has been located and seized. We are aware of rumours circulating but can confirm that this weapon is not any form of firearm. We would also urge people not to speculate on social media about the circumstances around this matter.”

If you have any information that could help with enquiries, please contact police via their website here or by calling 101 quoting reference 50240279664.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111. We will keep you updated on the situation in the live blog below.