Larkhall Academy pupil (15) found with knife

Sep 22 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE were called to Larkhall Academy after reports that a 15-year-old pupil who was suspended from school was set to return with a knife.

Officers probing last Wednesday morning’s incident insisted that he never returned to the school that afternoon.

But while searching the surrounding area, they stopped the 15-year-old and allegedly found him in possession of offensive weapons.

The youngster is now subject to a report to the children’s panel for breach of the peace and allegedly being in possession of offensive weapons.

Education chiefs insist the pupil was never at the school with a knife and pupil and staff’s safety was never at risk.

One concerned parent said: “We heard that the pupil had been suspended and he said he was going to return to the school with a knife.

“The police were called to the school at lunchtime and were there all afternoon.”

A South Lanarkshire Council spokeswoman said they strongly refute any allegation that a pupil was in the Academy with a knife or made any threats to any other pupils or staff.

“The pupil did visit the school office on Wednesday to see the head teacher but was advised to return home until a meeting could take place with his parents,” she added.

“However, we are aware that a member of the public reported to the police that the pupil was alleged to have been in possession of a knife sometime after he visited the school.

“The head teacher was aware of the rumours that were circulating and based on the information he had from the police took steps to reassure pupils and staff that there was no heightened risk to anyone and for a calm and measured approach.

“The police did visit the school to advise that they were following a specific line of inquiry.

“The school, the pupil’s family as well as social work and the police will continue to work together to support the health and well-being of the student.”

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said officers were called to the school last Wednesday at 1pm after reports of a youth allegedly in possession of a knife.

She added: “At no time did he attend at the school that afternoon and the occupants of the school weren't in any danger.

“Police carried out a search of the local area and he was stopped by police and is the subject of a report to the Children’s Panel in connection with breach of the peace and allegedly being in possession of offensive weapons.”