Students and teachers at the Barton Primary School in St Catherine had to run from the school compound yesterday after it was invaded by a man who is allegedly of unsound mind.

The man, who goes by the name 'Poco', is said to have made his way on to the school compound minutes after 6 a.m. when children were beginning to arrive at school.

The man is reported to have been armed with two knives and threatened to do bodily harm to them. A teacher was also chased from the school compound into a nearby shop and was rescued after she hid under a counter.

When contacted by THE STAR, senior personnel at the Old Harbour Police Station said that while they were aware of the situation and visited the school, nothing can be done as the man is of unsound mind.

In the meanwhile, in order to prevent another such occurrence, residents requested that a proper perimeter fence be erected at the school for the safety of staff and students.