Police release new statement after nursery closes amid claims 'staff held at gunpoint'

Parents were left 'shocked and confused' after Tiddlywinks suddenly closed its doors.

Police have issued a fresh statement following the permanent closure of a nursery amid claims that staff members were 'held at gunpoint'.

The Tiddlywinks nursery school in Chadderton, Oldham, abruptly closed its doors on Thursday (October 10), with 'shocked and puzzled' parents turned away at the door the following morning. In a letter to parents, nursery managers stated that a 'distressing incident [which] occurred on 10/10/24 with several staff members being held up at gunpoint when arriving at a training session in Oldham town centre', reports Manchester Evening News

Bosses also indicated that the closure was due to 'significant close family bereavements' and 'unfavourable expectations and demands' from 'official regulators'. According to the nursery's letter, some employees will be transferred to its other locations in Heywood and Ramsbottom, while others 'will be unemployed from this date forward'.

Oldham Council stated yesterday that reports of individuals being held at gunpoint were 'untrue'. Greater Manchester Police released a fresh statement today (Saturday) about the alleged firearm incident.

According to the force, police were dispatched to Rock Street in the town centre on Thursday evening in response to 'reports of a man with an item that appeared to be a firearm'. A GMP representative confirmed that searches were conducted, but no firearm was discovered. No arrests have been made, and authorities are not looking for anyone, police said in an effort to reassure residents.

In full, a GMP spokesperson said in a statement released this morning (Saturday): "At 7:15pm on Thursday 10 October, we were called to Rock Street in Oldham, to reports of a man with an item that appeared to be a firearm. Police attended and conducted a thorough search of the area to understand the circumstances.

"We would like to reassure residents that initial enquiries suggest there was no firearm or weapon involved with the incident. No arrests have been made and we are not seeking to speak with anyone in connection with this incident.

Parents who arrived to the nursery on Friday reported being turned away at the entrance, with no other options for their children.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

One dad, who asked not to be identified, claimed he just found out through an online post. He had just joined and paid his fees, he said.

The letter assured parents they will be refunded. One mother said she was 'shocked and confused', adding: "This whole thing is an absolute nightmare.

"I was in disbelief. I couldn’t quite process what he was telling me and how it had happened so abruptly with no warning.

"The letter made me feel very confused as it doesn't really make much sense. We've managed childcare between us today, but for next week and the future we have nothing confirmed.

"A few local nurseries have reached out to help which has been very helpful, but nothing can be finalised until Monday so we are pretty much in limbo until then. It’s been very stressful."

Contacted by the MEN, a nursery manager said they didn't want to comment. An Oldham council spokesperson said of the claims about a firearms incident: "The claims are untrue, so we will not be commenting on them."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.