British Transport Police steps up patrols in city as children return to school

Police patrols were stepped up today as thousands of children across the Midlands finally returned to school.

The Government’s first step in its roadmap to gradually release lockdown restrictions was taking place with the reopening of schools today, Monday, March 8.

British Transport Police West Midlands said extra patrols would “help ensure children can return to education safely.”

But it said officers would expect masks to be worn and social distancing to be carried out at stations and on transport services in Birmingham and throughout the region.

Taking to Twitter, British Transport Police West Midlands posted: “Additional patrols at school journey times will operate from today to help ensure children can return to education safely.

“Masks, distancing, and sensible behaviour at stations and on services are all important to protect you and your friends. Please follow staff instructions.”

Secondary school reopenings are likely to be “staggered” as pupils retake coronavirustests before returning to the classroom, Geoff Barton, from the Association of School and College Leaders, has said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said today’s date of reopening schools was “prudent” under a “cautious approach.”