School investigating after report of home-made knife found disguised as highlighter pen

A school in South Tyneside is investigating a report that a pupil found a home-made knife in her bag.
The  highlighter pen fashioned into a weapon which was found by a Boldon School pupilThe  highlighter pen fashioned into a weapon which was found by a Boldon School pupil
The highlighter pen fashioned into a weapon which was found by a Boldon School pupil

The 12-year-old, who attends Boldon School, found the highlighter pen which had been adapted to contain a blade on Thursday night.

A spokesperson for Boldon School said: “We appreciate tensions are running high with knife crime on the agenda at a national level.

The  highlighter pen fashioned into a weapon which was found by a Boldon School pupilThe  highlighter pen fashioned into a weapon which was found by a Boldon School pupil
The highlighter pen fashioned into a weapon which was found by a Boldon School pupil
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“We were alerted to this particular incident by a post on social media on Thursday evening and immediately carried out a thorough investigation.

“This has included talking to students about the risks of such irresponsible behaviour and carrying out random voluntary bag searches. We will deal with any pupils found to be involved in this type of activity in the appropriate manner.

“This is something we take extremely seriously and would urge any parents or members of the public who have any concerns or information to contact the school direct.

“We want to assure people keeping our students safe is a top priority for us.”

Boldon School.Boldon School.
Boldon School.
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The girl is not being named but a relative said: “She was hysterical and when I asked her what was wrong, she handed me the highlighter with a blade in it. She said someone had put it in her bag.

“She hates anything like this and I was shocked that someone would do this. It’s ridiculous people are making things like this - it could cause someone serious harm.”

Pat McDougall, grandmother of South Tyneside schoolboy Glen Corner who was stabbed to death on his 16th birthday, in 2006, said: “This has absolutely shocked me. What is the world coming to, where kids are making weapons like this?

“The young girl has definitely done the right thing by telling an adult. And I would always encourage anyone who knows of anyone who is carrying a knife to tell a responsible adult - as by doing so you could help save a life and stop a family having their hearts ripped apart like we have.”

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A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We have not been contacted about this particular incident but we would always encourage people to call police if they believe somebody could be in possession of a knife and we will take appropriate action.”