04/06/2026
5pm update: We've now identified and spoken to the person who was reported to be acting suspiciously and who had been pictured in social media images.
We have also reviewed other, higher-quality imagery from the area and are satisfied that he did not have a weapon, and has not committed any offences.
We appreciate the concern that this incident has caused in the area, and would thank the community, particularly the schools who kept children back, for their support.
Original update: We have had a number of officers in the Willenhall area of Walsall this afternoon following reports of a man acting suspiciously.
We have been speaking to the local community and as a precaution we advised schools in the area to keep children on site while the area was searched.
Our officers have carried out a thorough search of the area, but have been unable to find the man.
As a result, we have now advised schools that it was no longer necessary to keep children on site.
We are aware of a number of social media posts, and would ask the public not to call us if they have seen the same posts.
We will have a visible presence in the area into this evening, and enquiries to identify the man continue.
Anyone with information should get in touch, quoting log 3237.
