A teenager has been charged after allegedly sending a chilling picture of a fake gun with a threatening message attached over social media.
It is understood the boy posted the message about on the picture sharing service Snapchat on Thursday.
The alleged message related to Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen.
The teen has been charged with threatening behaviour, and will be reported to the youth justice management unit.
Parents at the school were sent a text message from staff, informing them they were handling the incident.
It stated: “We are aware of rumours at Harlaw Academy.
“I would like to reassure parents that the school is running as normal and we will update parents as required.”
Teachers are believed to have manned the entry and exit doors throughout the lunch break, and the school’s Halloween themed “fright night” was cancelled.
Inspector Carron McKellar said: “We can confirm a male has been charged in connection with an incident of alleged threatening behaviour which was reported to officers on Thursday.
“He will be reported to the youth justice management unit and we are working closely with the local authority.”
Councillor John Cooke said: “It seems that this child has done something which may have been a stupid prank. One would hope the school, the parents and other relevant authorities will be providing the guidance to put the child right.”
Councillor Martin Greig said he hoped the boy understood the “serious consequences” of his alleged behaviour.
He added: “This is a very unsettling incident.
“I’m sure the police will deal with this case appropriately and sensitively.”
A council spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and visitors at Aberdeen’s schools is a priority for the council.
“We are aware of a police investigation into an incident related to Harlaw Academy and have been liaising closely with Police Scotland. We would seek to reassure the public.”