School knife scare after pupil caught with blade in bag

An investigation has been launched after a pupil at a Wearside school was found to have a knife in his bag.
Oxclose Community Academy, WashingtonOxclose Community Academy, Washington
Oxclose Community Academy, Washington

The incident happened at Oxclose Community Academy, in Washington, on Friday.

A concerned parent contacted the Echo about the incident after a friend’s child, also a pupil at the school, called home in a distressed state.

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Bosses at the school said today that “no pupils or staff were put at risk” and that they are carrying out a “thorough investigation” into exactly what happened.

Police are set to speak to the boy about why he brought the blade to school with him.

The parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “When I rang the school to ask if the children were all safe I was not reassured at all.

“A statement should have been issued. This has been very frightening for a lot of the parents.

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“I thought at least they would’ve sent a letter home with the kids. to let us know what happened and if they were putting checks in place, such as bag searches.”

Tony Cunningham, executive headteacher at the school, in Dilston Close, said the police were contacted about the incident on Friday.

In a statement, he said: “An incident occurred on Friday, January 15, in which a pupil brought a knife into school in a school bag.

“The incident was dealt with quickly and effectively by staff and no pupils or staff were put at risk as a result of the pupil’s actions.

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“The academy is carrying out a thorough investigation of the circumstances and will be making no further comment whilst the investigation continues.”

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “We are aware of this incident and are working closely with the school.

“The pupil will be spoken to and appropriate action taken.”