An armed intruder has been arrested and allegedly forcing his was into a Scots school 'with a knife'.
Officers raced to the scene after the alarm was raised at Peterhead Academy in Aberdeenshire at around 2.20pm on Tuesday. In an email sent to parents and guardians, head teacher Mr McCluskey explained senior staff had 'shadowed' the alleged intruder around the school before disarming him.
Police confirmed they received a report of a teenager with a knife at the school before a 14-year-old was arrested. As reported by Aberdeen Live, Mr McCluskey assured all parents and carers that everyone was safe following the incident.
His message, sent at 2.47pm, read: "Less than 30 minutes ago a member of the public forced access to Peterhead Academy. Senior staff called police and shadowed the intruder around the building, moving classes where necessary to safeguard young people.
"This young person was carrying an offensive weapon which senior staff were able to relieve him off. Police then arrived and arrested the intruder.
"No young person or staff were injured. If any young person is shaken up or concerned please ask them to contact their guidance teacher. Please be assured Peterhead Academy and all people in the building are now safe and well."
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid called it a 'shocking incident' and hailed the response by school staff. He said: "This is a shocking incident which will have clearly alarmed pupils, staff and parents at Peterhead Academy.
"The thought of our young people being endangered by an armed member of the public, within an environment in which they should be safe, is completely unacceptable and raises extreme concerns.
"I commend the staff at the school for their bravery in relieving the intruder of his weapon and ensuring the pupils were kept safe but the staff shouldn't be exposed to this danger either.
"My thoughts go to everyone connected with the school who will be extremely shaken by what has taken place. I have contacted the police area commander to arrange a meeting to discuss school safety following the incident."
A spokesperson for the force said: “Police Scotland received a report of a teenager with a knife at a school in Peterhead, around 2.20pm on Tuesday, January 31.
“Officers attended and a 14-year-old has been arrested in connection, no persons were injured and enquiries are ongoing.’
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “A visitor was attending Peterhead Academy with a parent for a pre-arranged meeting with the school when he became disruptive.
“The safety and wellbeing of pupils is our top priority and when we became aware the visitor was in possession of an offensive weapon, police were called.
“This incident was dealt with swiftly by our staff and Police Scotland and pupils remained in their classrooms throughout.
“We are offering support to any of our pupils that require it.”
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