A primary school pupil has been excluded for bringing a bread knife into school.
Northumbria Police is investigating the incident, which happened at Hazelwood Primary School, in Wideopen, North Tyneside, last month.
Head teacher Stephane Bommel said the child was spotted with the knife by a teacher on the morning of February 14 when the class were preparing to leave for a school trip.
The pupil's parents and police were contacted immediately, and the child was excluded.
Today Mr Bommel has told the Chronicle that no children were at risk during the incident and no threats were made with the knife.
However, he said the school has a zero tolerance approach to the possession of any form of potential weapon, and the pupil will not return until police have concluded their investigation.
"There was no danger to any child, or any staff members, and under no circumstances was any threat made by the child. However, it's not acceptable to bring any weapons or dangerous utensils to school whatsoever," said Mr Bommel. "Immediate action was taken.
"The class teacher brought it to me immediately, the parents were called and the child was excluded and the police were contacted. The event was dealt with rapidly and safely within 10 minutes.
"We have followed all the steps, the child is still not in school and there is still a police investigation going on."
Mr Bommel said the knife was a standard kitchen bread knife.
And the head said the child's family had been left devastated by what happened.
"We are working with the family," he continued. "The family is absolutely devastated by what's happened. I have spoken to the child myself and they are in total distress.
"As a head teacher I find it very distressing and this should serve as a warning to all schools just to be aware."
Mr Bommel added: "The safety and welfare of our pupils is paramount, and we have a number of procedures in place to ensure all of our children are safe, secure, and supported in our school.
“We’re committed to making sure our school continues to be a place where children receive the best education and will continue to work with Northumbria Police and the local authority.”
A letter was sent to parents at the school informing them of what had happened.
Julie Firth, Director of Children’s Services at North Tyneside Council, said: “Ensuring North Tyneside is a safe borough is one of our biggest priorities, and our specialist School Support Team is currently supporting Hazelwood Primary School following an isolated incident at the school. “
And Northumbria Police confirmed an investigation was ongoing.
A spokesman said: "A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “We received a report that on Tuesday, February 14, a pupil at a North Tyneside school had been found in possession of a bladed article. Enquiries are ongoing.”
The Chronicle's Stop Knives Taking Lives campaign aims to raise awareness of knife crime and the impact it has on lives in the North East.
We are calling on everyone in the region to unite to tackle it.
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- Dad of attempted murderer Jessica Whinham vows to stand by her after horror crime conviction
