December 2025 closed the year with a series of incidents across the UK that again underlined the continued reliance on precautionary emergency responses and the critical need for fast, clear communication when potential threats emerge. Schools, residential streets and high-profile government areas were all affected.
From weapons-related school lockdowns to large-scale residential evacuations involving suspected explosives, the month demonstrated how quickly routine environments can be disrupted.
School Lockdown and Education Settings
Several Lancashire Schools put into lockdown over crossbow – December 11
Several schools in Lancashire were placed into temporary lockdown after police responded to reports of individuals seen with a crossbow and behaving threateningly in a residential area.
Lancs Live – Schools Put In Lockdown As Police Respond
Wirral school lockdown after student threat – December 9
A school in Wirral entered lockdown following a report that a pupil had been threatened by other youths, reportedly involving a weapon. Police attended, arrests were made, and the school remained locked down as a precaution until the incident was resolved.
Wirral Globe – Wirral School in Lockdown after Boy Threatened
Bury school closed before start of day over incident – December 16
A school in Bury was closed to pupils before the start of the school day following an stabbing that prompted police involvement. The closure was described as a precautionary safety measure while enquiries were carried out.
Manchester Evening News – School Issues Statement After Incident
Scottish school evacuated over suspected toxic fumes – December 19
Gryffe High School in Houston, Scotland was evacuated after fears of toxic fumes in the chemistry lab sparked a safety response.
Daily Record – School Evacuated Over Hazardous Substance Fears
Government Buildings and High-Profile Locations
Westminster Evacuation and area lockdown after – December 18
Parts of Westminster were evacuated and cordoned off after a suspicious package was reported near Parliament. Police deployed bomb disposal officers and closed nearby roads. The incident was later declared non-threatening and restrictions were lifted.
Mirror – Westminster Bridge Bomb Fears
Residential Areas and Explosives-Related Incidents
Homes evacuated in Derby over suspected explosives – December 4
A major incident was declared in Derby (central England) on 4 December 2025 after police executed a warrant over suspected explosive materials. As a precaution, around 200 homes were evacuated and a cordon established while bomb disposal teams carried out controlled examinations.
Derbyshire Police – Homes Evacuated After Warrant in Derby
Evacuations near Blackpool after explosive materials found – December 31
On 31 December 2025, a 16-year-old was arrested in Blackpool after police found suspected explosive materials at a residential address. Nearby properties were evacuated as a safety precaution while specialist teams investigated.
The Guardian – Boy Arrested Explosive Material Blackpool
December’s incidents reflected a continuation and escalation of themes seen throughout 2025. Schools remained particularly vulnerable to disruption, with lockdowns triggered by both external threats and incidents involving young people themselves. At the same time, several explosives-related investigations led to significant residential evacuations, underlining the disruptive impact of even suspected devices.
As 2025 drew to a close, December reinforced the importance of clear communication, well-rehearsed lockdown procedures and public understanding of why large-scale evacuations are often necessary even when threats later prove non-credible.
