Teen arrested after entering Peterhead Academy with a knife
The incident took place at around 2.20PM
Last updated 31st Jan 2023
A 14-year-old has been arrested after entering Peterhead Academy with a knife, Police Scotland have confirmed.
A spokesperson said: "Police Scotland received a report of a teenager with a knife at a school in Peterhead, around 2.20pm on Tuesday, 31 January, 2023.
"Officers attended and a 14-year-old has been arrested in connection, no persons were injured and enquiries are ongoing."
A 'pre-arranged meeting'
Aberdeenshire Council have confirmed that the 14-year-old had a meeting with the school with a parent.
A 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."
'Everyone is safe'
Earlier on, a message had been sent to parents from Acting Head Teacher Gerry McCluskey, saying "everyone is safe".
From Peterhead Live on Facebook, it said: "Dear Parent/Carer,
"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 of.
"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.
Regards
G McCluskey
Head Teacher"
MP contacts police to "discuss school safety"
David Duguid, MP for Banff and Buchan, released a statement shortly after the "completely unacceptable" incident, that he says "raises extreme concerns".
"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."